One of my favorite bookstores in San Francisco. When I first visited, it was the only bookstore I had seen to carry "Supernatural" by Joe Dispenza. I was intrigued but purchased some of Thich Nhat Hanh's perfect mini meditation series instead. Fast forward a few years later, Joe Dispenza is *everywhere* and has brought meditation and the pineal gland into mainstream consciousness. You can find his books in almost every corporate bookstore in the country. This is just a testament to the innovative prescience of SF Zen Center's bookstore curation. You may wander in, unconsciously drawn by the sheer miracle of this specific, narrow stretch of street being lined with THE HAPPIEST TREES IN THE ENTIRE CITY, and like me, begin absentmindedly browsing the bookstore and eschewing certain titles that stand out to you for being too "woo" for your self concept at the moment. And maybe in a few years, those titles will be some of the country's bestsellers and SF Zen Center was one of the first places to debut it. Who knows? All I know is that I take SF Zen Center very seriously as a community knowledge hub, and they are doing very important work in a world and, certainly, a city that massively needs more zen. The resources offered here are at the forefront, and as knowledge ripples out and becomes more mainstream, it's likely you could learn it here first. Minimum, browse this incredible bookstore and take in the sight of the stunning garden for a meditative, beautiful afternoon. The trees, flowers, and birds are absolutely basking in gorgeous energy baths -- and it is visible. read more

Zen Center Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

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A beautiful and inspiring bookstore well stocked with some of the best books about Buddhsism and related areas of study and interest. I've purchased many books for myself and many gifts for friends from this wonderful little store. Nice meditation stuff too--zafus, mats, etc. Staffed by helpful and knowledge Zen students. All good.. read more

I like religious center bookstores! I like the bookstore at the Los Altos Retreat Center for example. I like this Zen Center bookstore. The have an interesting selection and pick of books that I have not seen anywhere else. They are related to Zen Buddhism and plenty of topics that regard the philosophy of living as a Buddhist. The bookstore is organized and fresh. The worker is clothed in Buddhist garb. You can visit this bookstore at the center on Saturday mornings when it is open to the public. read more

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Odd vibe visiting the bookstore. There were a couple of people chatting outside of the place. They didn't acknowledge me at all as I walked up. Only when I tried to step into the store did they suddenly take sharp notice of me. I still had one hand on the knob because I had planned to close the door behind me, y'know, as is customary. But one of them grabbed the other end and had stopped me from doing so. "Can we help you?" It wasn't exactly with a very helpful kind of tone either. It was very much like something security might ask if you weren't wearing your badge at work. A thinly veiled, "Why are you here?" or "Where do you think you are going?" Me: I've never been here before. I'm visiting the bookstore. "Oh, we like visitors," they replied, although it didn't seem so. Where *did* they think I was going? I wondered. Does everyone get this kind of welcome? Or just me? Hmmm. Anyway, the place itself is very small so it didn't take long to look around. "When Things Fall Apart" by Pema Chodron. "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" by Shunryu Suzuki. "Mindful of Race" by Ruth King. Ahem. After the staff members came back inside, they harped incessantly to one another about many things that were apparently going wrong... Something not right with the trees out front, a book order that may have been lost, a box that someone should not have recycled. A lot of frenetic energy. Very decidedly un-Zen. Whenever I would glance over, I would find one of the men staring blankly at me. No smile or warmth. No small talk or polite conversation. No "Are you looking for anything in particular?" I had treated myself to some prayer earlier in the day. So, while I might have normally been unsettled by the lack of social graces, I was instead rather centered and just found the whole scenario quite... strange. It was my birthday and this bookstore was supposed to be a highlight on my route of a day's worth of reflective city hiking. But maybe that was the lesson. Not to assign significance to a place or people just because they are supposed to be "spiritual." Needless to say, I was happy to leave that funk behind me after I vacated the premises and immediately felt closer to God for having done so. I reset myself on the proceeding walk and enjoyed it much more than what I had experienced among those presumed to be devotees. read more

3 stars for the effort and out of respect to the Soto shu. 2 star less for the absolute lack of authenticity of Japanese Buddhism. This was a big disappointment. I was really excited to start my Saturday morning with quiet meditation in a zendou in front of a Buddha statue. That's not what they have here. The zendou they claim to have has no serene energy you feel right when you enter the place i.e. churches, temples, shrine, etc... No disrespect but I had to leave in the middle of the tour of the place before the meditation session even started. What I found was an institution that claimed to have Japanese Buddhism, but had a Western version of interpretation of it that missed the core essence of Japanese Buddhism that's in our everyday culture. If people go there and get happy that's great. I simply can't relate to the place as a Japanese Buddhist. I just didn't feel right being there. If anybody's ever been to a temple in Japan, like the ones in Kyoto, they would understand what I'm talking about. I guess that explains why I saw no Japanese person practicing there. That's all good though. You won't find me here again. read more

Founded by Suzuki Roshi in the early sixties, (and greatly expanded by Richard Baker, the 2nd abbot), Zen Center is the first zen practice center for westerners in the US. The center on Page St. is one of three centers they own. Green Gulch, out by the beach in Mill Valley might be a better place for begginers to experience Soto Zen meditation for the first time. It is a more peaceful enviornment , without the noise and vibe of the City. Then there is their more serious retreat center at Tassajara in Big Sur, devoted to lenthy practice periods. Some complain that it is too much in the Japaneese tradition and others that it has strayed too far, but all in all , it is a wonderful place to learn about Buddhism and the practice of zen meditation. read more

I'm so grateful to find the Zen Center today from one of the meetup group for yoga class. As I enter the building, it feel like home. I was born and raised as a Buddhism, I love the peace, tranquility, sacredness of the Zen Center. I love the Buddha statue in the center of the room, radiates an amazing energy, and I was able to connect with. And after 5 minutes standing in front of the Buddha, I feel like I just wake up from a very good rest, my voice become very deep. I would love to come back another day to be able to meditate longer next time. There is a cute little garden surrounded the building, it's so peaceful. If you are looking for spiritual nurturing, Zen Center is a place to come to. read more

I visited a lot of churches and meditation centers looking for a a place to explore and deepen my spirituality. Once I really made the commitment to show up and have a spiritual practice, I was able to find a real community of support at Zen Center. The people I've met have been kind, patient, and not too serious about themselves. Every Saturday morning at 8:30am they offer free meditation instruction. Each week a different teacher leads the group and each time its different so you can go back more than once and get a different perspective. You can stay for the dharma talk which is followed by tea, visit the bookstore or check out some of the art. The building was designed by Julie Morgan (who also designed Hearst Castle) and has a small courtyard with a fountain and garden. In my experience, Zen practice at San Francisco Zen Center requires a degree of patience and perseverance. People don't rush up smiling and urging you to get more involved. They are more likely to meet you where your at, respond generously to a request, and quietly support your zazen (meditation) practice. For me the benefits didn't happen overnight but required sustained and regular effort. Over time I learned to value stillness and silence -- too qualities I never really understood before coming to Zen Center. They have a library and great little bookstore where the staff are really knowledgable about Buddhism, Zen and the books they have for sale. read more

I have this problem where I cling to all these things and ideas. Like, as a younger man, I believed that a relationship would help center my life and grant me peace and satisfaction. But all these damned people had ideas of their own and moved on or left or were generally imperfect. So next, I focused on my career, and damned again if all these jobs kept shifting and changing moving me around, and although I kept making more money, I could never seem to buy everything I wanted or live in a nice enough apartment, or take long enough vacations. Well, that didn't work either. In the end, I ended up finding SFZC online and after several years of being a member and listening to their podcasts, I can say with some certainty that I cling 100 % to false things and my mind is a yammering, uncontented chimpanzee of a mind. That said, sometimes, I'll be on a crowded MUNI and dripping sweat and completely aware of the crowd around me and my own thoughts about what's for dinner and how am I going to pay this bill or that one and maybe I'll remember this one good time from years ago or this bad time and the incessant whirling narrative in my head will start yammering-- and I'll remember to breathe. In and out. It's just that simple. And maybe for a second I will be 5 % more peaceful, and 6 % more attuned to the suffering of those around me, and for that, I am entirely thankful to SFZC. read more

Completely wonderful. Learn to meditate at 8:30am on Saturday. totally worth it. Experience bliss and happiness as you have never known before. Contentment can be yours by sitting still and letting go of your monkey mind. SFZen Center has beginners (4 hour) retreats, I have been on many b/c I am a slow learner. All are welcome. The building used to be a home for pregnant Jewish teenagers up until 1960ish. There is the Star of David symbol on the iron work on the building. The inside courtyard is peaceful and lovely. I like to sit in the courtyard and think about the pregnant girls that lived there. Did they grow up and to college? Are they professional women now? Or did they take a wrong turn and end up bank robbers? The Zen Center also has delicious vegetarian lunch and dinner by donation. read more

I must go back soon. And whatever you may think about a Zen center or if you are not open to Buddhism because you are of another religion - might I just say, give this a try. There is no other place to be with your self and your mind alone in peace and feel the warmth in the room and actually just "BE". There are classes for all levels. read more

In the fall of 2010 I found myself in the midst of a spiritual crisis. I started researching places I could go and people I could talk to. I have known about the San Francisco Zen Center since I moved here in 1994, but I never realized you could just go. You can just go! So I did. I've been sitting ever since. And just last Friday I was speaking with a new friend I made through SFZC and I realized that SFZC is my social life. A calm and compassionate social life? Sign me up. It was very easy for me to start coming to the Zen Center and make it a part of my schedule. Each time I called the office, the person I talked to was very informative, kind, and patient. Although many of the rituals appear very formal, and yes they are formal, there is no expectation of strict adherence. In other words, I've never felt like I've made a big mistake if I miss following a form. And although the service leaders and dharma teachers appear solemn as they practice the forms, they have all reached out to me personally and have kindly made me feel welcomed. Today I am involved volunteering my time whenever I can. The San Francisco Zen Center relies completely on the support of the community, and because I am getting a lot from having a place to sit silently with others, I want to give back what I can. The smallest membership request is very low at $10/month. There is a donation box for you to give what you can, whether that's a $1 or $100 bill. The meals, like if you stay for lunch on Saturday, are well below $10. Workshops and programs have various pricing depending on your situation and need. Everything is suggested donation. The San Francisco Zen Center only wants to stay open in order to provide us with a place to practice. I can't say exactly what I get from sitting at the San Francisco Zen Center, but I'm liking how I feel. If you're curious, check it out. read more

I called to order a zafu and zabuton. They arrived and I am most satisfied with them. I also had an interaction where I asked the bookstore people to please send me a cookbook, and they are free to choose any cookbook that they pleased, with no price restrictions placed thereon. I was so pleased that hey sent me Tassajara Dinners and Deserts. Tassajara is a zen retreat located above Big Sur in the California Hill. This cookbook is amazing and way more than just a cookbook. only cost 30.00. Changed my way of cooking, and I cook a lot. I also asked the person who took my telephone order to send me their favorite KOAN. I attached a pic of what they sent if you care to read. read more

I did a mini at-home retreat this week and that involved meditating. I made an altar this past weekend and it's a perfect for meditation. However, my legs kept falling asleep because sitting on a blanket and 2 pillows ain't cutting it and it's cutting off circulation. I guess I gotta get a meditation pillow and be proper. So I cruised down up and down the Haight in search of a meditation pillow. One place I went into, the guy was so locked into his iphone and had his earphones in that I wasn't going to ask him for help. I'm like yeah, I'm not spending money here. So I left without a pillow for my butt. I did a search then when I got home and lo and behold, I see that the Zen Center has a bookstore! How did I not know this?? And they have zafus too! They're pillow/cushions to me, but it's all the same in my world. I stopped in this afternoon because I need instant gratification. Amazon wasn't going to cut it, this lady wanted something proper to sit on TODAY! I popped in and a woman, I think it started with an S, she helped me find a zafu to sit on. She explained the different types, different ways to sit, asked how long I was sitting, suggestions on how long to sit, tips and tricks, etc. She was really, really helpful and was attentive even when customers were coming in ask questions and purchasing items. I went home with a zafu and a supportive pillow and now my bum feels A LOT better and more stable. It feels way more comfortable than my makeshift pile that I was sitting on. Next time I head to meditation on Saturdays, I'll pop into the bookstore and explore more, there were lots of books to check out and in such a small space. Thanks for upping my meditation practice and helping me feel more "serious" and "legit" about connecting with my inner guide from a comfortable seat Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! read more

I wanted to visit a couple of times before I actually reviewed this place because I really like the idea of it and I wanted it to be wonderful. Unfortunately, I must have missed something. The Saturday morning introduction was fine, but we didn't get to join the meditation session (which was the whole reason I was there). The two Saturdays I attended were quite busy. The lectures were fine, nothing too profound. I was determined to attend meditation at least once, so I managed to get in on a Monday evening. I didn't get much out of walking meditation -- I was too concerned with my own pace. Seated meditation was fine, but the windows were open and every now and then, a really loud motorcycle or car would rev past. That sucked. Then there was the chanting... after lectures and after meditation. The bowing to everyone and everything is still something I need to get use to, but chanting is something I don't think will ever come naturally to me. It's a nice place and the intention is good. I just don't think it's a place where I can find serenity. To each his own. read more

The SF Zen Center is a lovely place to be. During the weekdays at 5:30pm they have free 45- to 50 minute group meditation followed by a service. The service lasts about 10 minutes and consists of a short ritual, chanting, bowing, then a closing ritual. Fortunately, they pass out pages with the chants written out so you can join in at will. Saturday mornings are more crowded in the meditation center, but still a worthwhile addition to your practice, and the discussions afterwards yield their own insightful rewards. Be advised that this is not a chatty place, come to be quiet and to re-center yourself. For the curious or studious, SF Zen Center offers a variety of classes and discussion opportunities to suit novice or more sophisticated levels of study. No matter what your interest (practice, group meditation, study, or events) SF Zen Center is a great place to become acquainted with Buddha-dharma. read more

This is for those who might rate this low, felt neglected or not warmly received being there, and its other two centers. I had a post on here that explained things and checked tonight and it seems to have vanished.... The practice is introspective a good amount and it's a quiet container by nature and design and for the reflection work to work, quiet and reserved is important. People are extremely friendly and caring and supportive, but they want to give you space to do your work in the practice and thus wont run up and over engage you in smiles and hugs. But if you engage them on those grounds they will respond in kind with smiles and so on... It has an old style Japanese look and forms to keep quiet and order and its ok if you mess up, just keep watching others, follow along and you'll see the benefit in it, I assure you. So come by and engage people in warmth, ask questions mess up a form, and engage and they (priests and staff and even regulars) will meet you right in that same spirit. I assure you! I wouldn't bother to say it if it were not so. read more

Zen Center is a wonderful place where one can find a bit of quality calm in a bustling city. I have been involved with SFZC since March 2008 and my experience has been nothing but enriching and life-enhancing so far. There are many opportunities to become involved; volunteering in the kitchen and bookstore, attending meditation sessions in the mornings and evenings, as well as attending classes given by SFZC's wonderful teachers. I have never felt pressured or ignored. Zen Center (City Center) is a place where one can safely practice in a warm and supportive environment. read more

I love this place. entering SF Zen center makes me feel welcome and instantly peaceful. I can leave behind the chatter of a very busy life! Eat there! The food is amazing! read more

If everyone went to the SF Zen Center on a regular basis, I can say with conviction that the world would be a better place. At one point in my life I considered becoming an apprentice Buddhist nun and frequented temples, monasteries, and meditation centers often.... Since then I've reconsidered my life path quite a bit, but my practice still remains. The SF Zen Center is the perfect place to practice zazen (seated zen meditation). Come to the zendo on Saturday mornings for a beginner's sitting. You'll get a tour of the center, meditation instruction, lunch and afternoon discussion if you decide to stay. For experienced meditators, there are daily sittings, as well as amazing workshops from time to time. Wherever you are in your practice, or even if you are just beginning, there is a place here for you. See you in full-lotus before the hozensho bell rings ;) read more

The San Francisco Zen Center was the first Buddhist monastery outside of Asia and has a thriving community which welcomes people of all sects and religions, as well as doubters of all kinds looking to deepend their understanding of existence. You can sit zazen every weekday evening, or go for instruction and community interaction on Saturday mornings. It's a great place to just be! read more

I can't rate the bookstore, but the historical building that houses it earns four stars for its architecture and surroundings. Designed by Julia Morgan, the Zen Center - a one-time a residence for young women - is highlighted by an open-aired atrium that can be glimpsed through a series of tall, classical arches above street level. The rear of the building faces Lily Street, which is actually a one-lane wide alley that boasts an abundance of quirky Victorian cottages, one of several in the neighborhood. Head uphill to check out the shotgun style flats and renovated houses with typically creative paint jobs. read more

I've spent a great deal of time here and I wish more people would also. It's a wonderful experience every week.

Total fulfillment. It was everything I wanted it to be and more. My only lament is that I can't come here every day. This is truly a beautiful place. read more

A great place to buy a meditation cushion (zafu) or a meditation bench. Wonderful people working there!

Here you can buy a zafu, a zabuton ($45 each) and the incense that is burned during zazen at San Francisco Zen Center.

Came here for their saturday meditation introduction program. For beginners or for people who are curious with meditation, I really recommend you to come for their saturday programs. It's free and its really worth it - I am really new to meditation and I felt that I have learnt so much. They also offer lunch and tea and guests are also welcome for their regular zazen meditation. The people there and the teachers are very nice. Don't be afraid to ask them for guidance or any other questions. Building atmosphere was very peaceful and quite relaxing. read more

Diana, the store's manager, is wonderful and very helpful. I really appreciate that they carry Buddhist books in Spanish. I got the cutest statue of a turtle sitting in meditation what sits on my dresser. If you go on Saturday consider staying for lunch after the talk. They service healthy vegetarian food. read more

I go there for the Dharma talks on Saturday and I feel so different and great after going out from there. We are so lucky to have this in SF! read more

this is a wonderful place, i come here for the Free meditation on Monday nights is also has a Na meeting at the same time.