ZenistFamily Sangha Daylong Retreat at Green Gulch Farm
Soto Zen
A one-day retreat for families at Green Gulch Farm combining Zen practice with creative projects, play, and storytelling. The day includes lunch and ends with a sangha circle in the Jizo Garden, honoring family lineages and lay practice.
About this retreat
Green Gulch Farm's Family Sangha Daylong is built around the premise that raising and living with family is itself Zen practice. Rather than a traditional silent sitting retreat, this day weaves together creative projects, play, storytelling, and formal practice—a shape that honors how many people actually practice: in relationship, interrupted, present to children.
The retreat centers on learning about Zen lay-ancestors (people who practiced within family life rather than in monasteries) and what the tradition calls "receiving the wisdom of children." There's also explicit space for dedicating practice to healing family lineages, a recognition that people bring their history into the room.
Lunch is included. The day concludes with a sangha-building circle in the Jizo Garden, the traditional place at Zen centers where people honor those who have died, including ancestors.
Originally listed on San Francisco Zen Center's website.
Full details from San Francisco Zen Center
A seasonal daylong retreat for families of all forms honoring family practice as a full expression of bodhisattva vows. Through creative projects, play, and stories, participants learn about Zen lay-ancestors, receive the wisdom of children, and dedicate themselves to healing family lineages. Lunch is included and the day ends with a sangha building circle in the Jizo Garden.