Young Urban Zen SF

San Francisco Zen Center
  • 5.0 (3)
  • BUDDHISM
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Young Urban Zen is a group under the auspices of the San Francisco Zen Center, with a particular focus on those between 20 and 40. It meets on Tuesday evenings for meditation and discussion about Zen practice. People of all experience levels are welcome.

  1. JAN 21

    Six paramitas talk 3: Generosity (dana)

    In this talk, Kōgetsu discusses generosity also known as Dana. Buddhist practice invites us to look more deeply at how we can meet the roots of suffering. We will explore how generosity includes how we relate to ourselves and others, how we listen, how we repair, how we set limits, and how wisdom guides what actually helps rather than what simply feels good in the moment. Zazen trains us to meet generosity with clarity rather than compulsion.

  2. JAN 14

    six paramitas talk 2: Sila (ethical conduct)

    In this talk Mei discusses the paramita of ethical conduct. Sila (ethical conduct) is one of the six paramitas (perfections) that develops a practitioner on the path of freedom, while simultaneously manifesting awakened activity. Though most Westerners don't initially delight in the topic of ethical behavior, Mei explains that virtue is one of the most beautiful expressions of the awakened mind.

  3. JAN 7

    six paramitas talk 1: Patience

    This talk is the beginning of a series on the paramitas which are the fruits of living the precepts of Buddhism. Michael will be discussing the paramita of patience in this talk. Paramitas are viewed as perfections to be addressed directly as a way of working with one's practice.  Please come and turn over not only this paramita but how it relates to our everyday life, no matter where we spend our day (in the monastery, out in the world, in the home...).

  4. 12/31/2025

    Renunciation

    Tim Wicks closes out the year (2025) with a talk about Renunciation, letting go. He speaks about the grasping at the root of our suffering, our conditioning as "graspers," and how we help each other in learning to let go.

  5. 12/23/2025

    The Gift of Nothing

    As the year comes to a close, Young Urban Zen invites you into The Gift of Nothing: a talk and experiential practice on generosity without striving. Eli Brown-Stevenson leads us together through an exploration on what it means to give, receive, and belong when we release the need to add, fix, or improve anything.

  6. 12/16/2025

    When I want something out of my practice

    When practice starts to feel frustrating, like why am I not feeling a certain way by now, or when we wonder if we’re “doing it right”—it can quietly turn into a kind of transaction. We’ll explore this train of thought with some lightness and curiosity, and look at how practice can become less about getting somewhere and more about meeting ourselves where we are with compassion.

  7. 12/10/2025

    What Zen principles apply to staying grounded in the midst of change

    Many of you may be traveling this year or at least experiencing a different schedule (some may take time off; some may work more due to the rest of the team taking time off... etc.) than how things usually unfold for you. How will you stay grounded in the midst of large meals, or extra time or family interactions, or increased solitude? In this talk, Michael discusses what Zen principles apply to staying grounded in the midst of change.

  8. 11/26/2025

    Hindrances

    Tim Wicks leads a talk looking at the many obstacles that we face on our path to awakening. By focusing on the hindrances and how we work with them, we see that there is a way forward to address the feelings of separation and isolation by cultivating wisdom through intimate practice that leads us to the truth of interconnection.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Young Urban Zen is a group under the auspices of the San Francisco Zen Center, with a particular focus on those between 20 and 40. It meets on Tuesday evenings for meditation and discussion about Zen practice. People of all experience levels are welcome.

Information

  • Creator
    San Francisco Zen Center
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    101
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Young Urban Zen SF