Immerse yourself in Everyday Zen by living and practicing with Zen Center residents for a limited stay of up to three months, and enjoy the quiet and natural rural atmosphere of Sonoma Mountain. The daily schedule includes: morning and evening zazen (meditation) and services (bowing and chanting), samu (temple work practice), informal communal meals, and private interviews with SMZC’s Abbot Jakusho Kwong-roshi. Afternoon rest breaks and private time (2.5hrs) are free for studying, hiking, walks or attending to personal things.
Accomodations are in simple rustic cabins, solo or shared, and three vegetarian meals daily are provided. Upon arrival, SMZC’s guest person will review practice schedule and detailed information about the center. General review of meditation instructions and zendo etiquette may be requested at the beginning of a guest stay.
Staying at Sonoma Mountain Zen Center is an adventure, to be engaged in wholehearted practice in the midst of profound stillness.
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$65 per day or discounted monthly rate
“Sangha life is just like a pearl: there’s much rubbing, and the more agitation there is, the more pearl-like our lives become.”
Students with a serious interest in Zen training can apply to live as a resident at the center under the guidance of Jakusho Kwong-roshi. This program is for practitioners willing to commit at least one year to intensive practice, though two years are strongly recommended. We advise applicants to practice Zen at least one year before considering this commitment.
Residents are fully incorporated into our community and as such, participate fully with mandatory attendance in our daily zazen schedule, work practice, retreats, and all other activities that support the maintenance of the zen center. Every month there is a one, three, five, or seven day sesshin intensive. Every February and August, we hold a one month Ango Practice Period. Our schedule is highly structured as our effort to support focused and selfless training.
This is an intimate residency situated in a quiet countryside. There are usually around ten residents, and we often host guest residents staying anywhere from three days to three months. Our larger Sangha includes about one hundred members from nearby cities, out-of-states and European countries. While our practice emphasizes Zazen meditation, our community provides ample opportunity to connect with others who support our spiritual endeavor.
A fee of $550 per month covers room and board, meals, and participation in all our programs--study groups, workshops and sesshins. Scholarships are available for students with particular skills and work experience. Qualifying students receive room and board, meals and Zen training programs free of charge plus a small monthly stipend after six months. The center closes the last two weeks in December, and after one year, residents receive an additional week of vacation.
Call the Sonoma Mountain Zen Center office to request a resident application form if you are interested in applying.
