Rev. Kosho (Hiroaki) Shiraishi from Eiheiji temple in Japan joins us for practice

We welcome Rev. Kosho (Hiroaki) Shiraishi from Eiheiji temple located in Japan.  He is a 6th year senior monk of Eiheiji Tokubetsu Senmonsodo, a specialized monastic course. He is 28 years old and will be practicing with us from August 31 - November 22, 2018 to experience Zen in America. Please come and welcome Rev. Shiraishi.

Explore the fundamental teachings of Soto Zen and Buddhism as a foundation and inspiration for daily practice in a six week study course with questions, answers and dialogue. Book title will be published soon. October 2 - November 13.

Closed October 22 - 23

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Sangha Potluck: Gathering Practitioners and Community 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Members as well as the public are invited to the Zen Center for a day of sharing Dharma and food together as a Sangha.  Please bring your favorite dish to share.  There will be a short period of zazen followed by a brief update on current news and the Mandala project.  Also an opportunity for new members and anyone wishing to renew their vows to offer incense in the Zendo. 

Soei Mouri-Sensei and Kashin Julie Kwong will be leading this workshop on the study of tea in the Omote Senke tradition.  

Saturday Dharma Talk: 11:00 a.m. Zendo

Dharma talk will be given by Jakusho Kwong-roshi, founding abbot of Sonoma Mountain Zen Center, following zazen.

An introduction to the basics of Zen.  

Welcome Rev. Bunryu Yanai from Daihonzan Sojiji Soto Zen Head Training Monastery

Sotoshu International Department Assigns Rev. Bunryu Yanai to visit and practice at Sonoma Mountain Zen Center.  Rev. Yanai is 26 yrs old and his home temple is Ryutaiji located in Fukushima prefecture.  Before entering Sojiji Monastery he attended Komazawa University.  Rev. Yanai will be with us from November 9-16 to experience Zen in America.  Please come, join us for practice and welcome him.

A day of sitting in silence dedicated to those that have lost their lives, firefighters, first responders, police and all beings that have been affected by the devastation of the Northern California wildfires.  An opportunity for beginners and experienced sitters to plunge into the heart of Zen practice.

Saturday Dharma Talk: 11:00 a.m. Zendo

Dharma talk will be given by Ejo McCullen-osho, founder of Buddha Eye Temple in Eugene, Oregon, following zazen.

Saturday Community Student Talk: 11:00 a.m. zendo

Jason Nichols, member of SMZC, will give the talk at 11:00 a.m. following 10:30 a.m. zazen in the zendo.

Saturday Community Student Talk: 11:00 a.m. zendo

Jundo Farrand, ordained priest and tenzo of SMZC, will give the talk at 11:00 a.m. following 10:30 a.m. zazen in the zendo.

Shakyamuni Buddha's Enlightenment Sesshin

A special sesshin to commemorate the anniversary of Shakyamuni Buddha's Enlightenment.  The last night of the retreat we will sit from midnight to 4:00 a.m. and conclude with a memorial procession to Shunryu Suzuki-roshi's stupa.  

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For those who cannot make Rohatsu during the week, join us Friday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. for tetsuya, “the all night sitting.” Following the all night sit, at 6 a.m., we will walk in procession down to Suzuki-roshi’s stupa for the founder’s ceremony. We will close Rohatsu with breakfast in the Sangha House. All members are encouraged to attend tetsuya and/or the founder’s ceremony. 

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December 3 - December 8. 

Sunrise Ceremony - Memorial for Shunryu Suzuki-roshi

On Saturday December 8th at 6:00 a.m. we will begin a memorial procession to Suzuki-roshi’s Memorial Stupa from the zendo. We express our gratitude, offer incense, ladle water, and recite the Great Compassionate Dharani as we witness the sunrise over the Valley of the Moon. Open to the public.  Informal breakfast follows at 7:30 a.m. $10 donation appreciated.

Saturday Dharma Talk: 11:00 a.m. zendo

Dharma talk will be given by Jakusho Kwong-roshi, founding abbot of Sonoma Mountain Zen Center, following zazen.

This program is an opportunity for Sangha members and friends to introduce their children to the Zen Center in a fun and creative way.  Supervised, age-appropriate activities introduce children to the Zen Center as a fun, safe, nurturing environment. Children can join their parents for an informal vegetarian lunch following activities. Parents are welcome to join in the fun along with their children or participate in Saturday community practice.

Closed December 16 - January 2

The Zen Center is closed December 16 - January 2 for winter break. 

New Year One Day Sitting

Deepen your practice and join us from 5:15 am to 5 pm. An opportunity for beginners as well as experienced sitters to plunge into the heart of Zen practice.  8 periods of meditation, formal meals, chanting and mindfulness work practice.  Includes Friday 6 pm dinner and overnight stay. 

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Non-Members: $65 General: $55 Practicing: $45

Saturday Dharma Talk: 11:00 a.m. zendo

Dharma talk will be given by Jakusho Kwong-roshi, founding abbot of Sonoma Mountain Zen Center, following zazen.

Saturday Dharma Talk: 11:00 a.m. Zendo

Dharma talk will be given by Nyoze Kwong, Kanin of Sonoma Mountain Zen Center, following zazen.

Saturday Community Student Talk: 11:00 a.m. Zendo

Talk will be given by Katsuzen Chris King following zazen.  Katsuzen has practiced at Sonoma Mountain Zen Center since 1979 and has served both as editor of Mountain Wind newsletter and teacher of our introductory meditation classes for several years. 

Kids Community: 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

An opportunity to introduce children to the Zen Center as a fun, safe, nurturing environment. Parents are welcome to join in the fun along with their children or participate in Saturday community practice. 

Winter Ango Practice Period - Jan. 28 - Feb. 23

SMZC's Winter Practice Period begins. Michal Kuten "Empty Sky" takes position as Shuso (headstudent).  Opening ceremony begins Monday evening at 7:30p.m..  Ango January 28 - February 23.

Practice Period Shuso Talk: 11:00 a.m. zendo

Head student Michal Kuten "Empty Sky" will give the talk at 11:00 a.m. following 10:30 a.m. zazen in the zendo. Ango January 28 - February 23.

Practice Period Shuso Talk: 11:00 a.m. zendo

Head student Michal Kuten "Empty Sky" will give the talk at 11:00 a.m. following 10:30 a.m. zazen in the zendo. Ango January 28 - February 23.

"Actualizing the Way" Seven-Day Sesshin - Feb. 10-17

A multi-day retreat for experienced sitters. Manifest zazen mind in an intensive schedule that includes prostrations, ten daily periods of meditation, chanting, mindful work practice, Dharma talks, and private interviews with Kwong-roshi.  Days begin at 4:45 a.m. and end at 9:00 p.m.  Begins with Sunday 6:00 p.m. oryoki dinner.

Ango Closing Ceremony - Revealing the Self: 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

"REVEALING THE SELF" 10:30 a.m. zazen; 11:00 a.m. ceremony.  Participants will ask Michal Kuten "Empty sky" dharma questions to reveal the truth of practice.  A Shuso celebration dinner will follow at 6:30 p.m. We encourage all members to close the practice period with us.  Open to the public. 

Closed February 25 - 27

The Zen Center is closed from February 25 - 27 and reopens Thursday, February 28.