Public Registration DEI Event: A Morning at the San Francisco Zen Center

We invite you to spend a morning exploring one of San Francisco's most treasured spiritual communities and discovering practices that have supported people around the world for centuries.

Join fellow Rotary members and friends for a unique morning of reflection, learning, and fellowship at the San Francisco Zen Center. Whether you are simply curious about Zen Buddhism or interested in exploring mindfulness, compassion, and contemplative practice, this introductory program offers a welcoming and accessible experience for everyone.

No previous experience with meditation or Buddhism is necessary. Everyone is welcome.

PROGRAM

9:30 a.m. – Welcome and Introduction

• Meet your hosts for a brief introduction to Zen Buddhism, its traditions, terminology, and the role of a Dharma Talk.
• Learn what to expect during your visit.
• Enjoy a guided tour of the facility.

10:00 a.m. – Dharma Talk
Experience a traditional Dharma Talk presented by one of the San Francisco Zen Center's teachers, exploring themes of mindfulness, compassion, and living with greater awareness.

11:15 a.m. – Tea and Cookies
Join in a brief interlude with tea and cookies in the Welcome Center, explore the bookstore, and connect with others.

11:25 a.m. – Questions and Answers
An opportunity to engage in conversation with the Speaker and ask questions about Zen practice and the day's presentation.

12 Noon – Community Lunch and Fellowship
Enjoy a simple vegetarian meal while sharing conversation with practitioners and fellow Rotary members and friends. This is an opportunity to experience the spirit of sangha—the Buddhist community—and the warmth of shared fellowship.

REGISTRATION
Registration is free for all, but donations are welcome to cover the cost of the meal. If you are a current member of the Rotary Club of San Francisco, log into ClubRunner and register yourself. If you are a Visiting Rotarian or a non-member of the Rotary Club of San Francisco, register as a Guest and indicate the name of your Rotary Club or your host's name in the comment section.

RULES

For everyone's comfort and to show respect at the San Francisco Zen Center, please observe the following:

• Participants should wear loose fitting, dark, and understated clothing with shoulders and arms covered.
• Shorts or dresses must come below the knee. 
• Shoes are to be removed in the hallway before entering the meditation hall, but not in the dining area or the welcome center. 
• No hats in the meditation hall or meditation room.
• Face masks are appropriate for people if they feel that being in close proximity to others may be an issue. 
• Cell phones are to be silenced.

This special program has been developed with the assistance of Carla Walter, a former Rotarian and member of the San Francisco Zen Center community. We are grateful for her guidance in creating this opportunity for Rotary members.

We hope you will join us for this enriching morning of learning, reflection, and fellowship.

Parking and Transportation: The Zen Center does not have an on-site public parking lot, so utilizing transit or carpooling is strongly encouraged. If you must drive, your options include:

• Street Parking: Limited metered and unmetered parallel street parking is available along Page Street and surrounding blocks. Finding a spot can be difficult during peak hours, and you must read posted street signs carefully to avoid ticketing or street cleaning sweeps.
• Public Parking Garages: Paid parking lots are located nearby if street spaces are full. The closest public options are situated on Franklin Street near Oak Street as well as a small local lot located closer at 350 Page Street. 
• Accessible Parking: The center has accessible parking spaces designated close to the building for visitors with limited mobility. 
• SpotHero: Reserve a parking spot in advance using SpotHero.

Accessibility: The San Francisco Zen Center is ADA compliant. 

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