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Sonoma Mountain Zen Center is a Soto Zen practice center in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki-roshi, founded by abbot Jakusho Kwong-roshi. Our temple is dedicated to the act of Zazen, "just sitting." Our residency trains in a monastic schedule and hosts events and retreats for a wider community of spiritual practice. Our temple sits at the top of Sonoma Mountain, one hour north of San Francisco Bay Area, overlooking ancient oaks, redwood groves, and the Valley of the Moon. Join us in practice.

Living at SMZC

People interested in deepening their practice can live and train at Sonoma Mountain Zen Center as a resident. The Zen Center is a lay practice temple that creates an environment for infusing Zen practice into all daily activities.

  • Guest Resident Practice (up to 3 months)

  • Resident Training (1 year minimum)

  • Work-Offsite Program (monthly rent)

Shinsanshiki Ceremony

Welcoming New Abbot Nyoze Kwong

On September 2, 2023 we celebrated the installation of our new abbot of Sonoma Mountain Zen Center. Nyoze represents the 92nd unbroken blood-lineage tracing back to Shakyamuni Buddha.

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Upcoming Events ON SITE (in Person in the Zendo)
If you live within driving distance, please register to attend on site. For those who live out of town or unable to attend in person, see the event calendar to register for online events.

  • Meditation Instruction (Includes Saturday Community) - ON SITE (in Genjo Building)
    Meditation Instruction (Includes Saturday Community) - ON SITE (in Genjo Building)
    Multiple Dates
    Meditation Instruction (Includes Saturday Community) - ON SITE (in Genjo Building)
    Sat, Jul 27
    Genjo Building
    Jul 27, 2024, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
    Genjo Building, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Jul 27, 2024, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
    Genjo Building, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Perfect for beginners wishing to learn meditation form. Meditation is a way to return to your calm mind and create a stable foundation. Join us for our Saturday Community program (included in the fee) immediately following instruction. Please arrive at 8:50 am at the Sangha House to check in.
  • Saturday Community (Talk by Koten David Price) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Saturday Community (Talk by Koten David Price) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Multiple Dates
    Saturday Community (Talk by Koten David Price) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Sat, Jul 27
    Zendo
    Jul 27, 2024, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Jul 27, 2024, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Talk will be given by Koten (孤天) David Price, following 10:30 am zazen. 10:30 am - 11:00 am Zazen 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Student Talk
  • Summer Ango Opening Ceremony - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Summer Ango Opening Ceremony - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Multiple Dates
    Summer Ango Opening Ceremony - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Sat, Aug 03
    Zendo
    Aug 03, 2024, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Aug 03, 2024, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Join us for Summer Ango Opening Ceremony with Shuso Tokan (当観) Craig Stepanek. 10:30 - 11:00am Zazen 11:00 - 11:45am Opening Ceremony
  • Special Guest Teacher Dharma Talk: Rev. Yuko Yamada-roshi - ONLINE (on Zoom)
    Special Guest Teacher Dharma Talk: Rev. Yuko Yamada-roshi - ONLINE (on Zoom)
    Membership Offer
    Special Guest Teacher Dharma Talk: Rev. Yuko Yamada-roshi - ONLINE (on Zoom)
    Wed, Aug 14
    Online Event
    Aug 14, 2024, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM PDT
    Online Event
    Aug 14, 2024, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM PDT
    Online Event
    Yuko Wakayama Yamada-roshi will be giving her lecture on The Denkoroku - The Record of Transmitting the Light by Keizan Zenji. The Denkoroku documents the great enlightenment of Shakyamuni Buddha and its transmission by 52 patriarchs in India, China and Japan.
  • August Fusatsu Ceremony - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    August Fusatsu Ceremony - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Multiple Dates
    August Fusatsu Ceremony - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Fri, Aug 16
    Zendo
    Aug 16, 2024, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Aug 16, 2024, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Be present for & experience the Fusatsu (布薩) At-one-ment Ceremony of release, purification, and presence with the full moon. 7:30 – 8:00pm Zazen 8:00 – 9:00pm Service
  • "Actualizing the Self" 7-Day Sesshin (1 to 7 Overnights) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    "Actualizing the Self" 7-Day Sesshin (1 to 7 Overnights) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    "Actualizing the Self" 7-Day Sesshin (1 to 7 Overnights) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Sun, Aug 18
    Zendo
    Aug 18, 2024, 7:00 PM PDT – Aug 25, 2024, 4:45 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Aug 18, 2024, 7:00 PM PDT – Aug 25, 2024, 4:45 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    This retreat is a period of time set aside to let go of the conditioned self and resume our original nature. RSVP and we will email to confirm accommodation details and complete your registration. $85/night & up (based on room type). 10-20% discount for members.
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