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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.

  • Summer/Fall Sangha Gathering & Potluck - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Summer/Fall Sangha Gathering & Potluck - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Multiple Dates
    Summer/Fall Sangha Gathering & Potluck - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Sat, Sep 21
    Zendo & Sangha House
    Sep 21, 2024, 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM PDT
    Zendo & Sangha House, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Sep 21, 2024, 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM PDT
    Zendo & Sangha House, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    We are hosting an informal get-together for Sonoma Mountain Zen Center's sangha members. This is an opportunity for members to connect, give feedback and hear about SMZC's direction and plans for the future. Please bring your favorite dish (for 6-8 people) to share with everyone.
  • Fall Temple Stay
    Fall Temple Stay
    Multiple Dates
    Fall Temple Stay
    Fri, Sep 27
    Zendo
    Sep 27, 2024, 3:00 PM PDT – Sep 28, 2024, 1:30 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Sep 27, 2024, 3:00 PM PDT – Sep 28, 2024, 1:30 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Temple stay is an opportunity to experience authentic Soto Zen Buddhism, its lifestyle, rituals and spirituality. Take the backward step, sit down and illuminate the jewel within yourself. $150 & up.
  • 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, Sep 28
    Genjo Building
    Sep 28, 2024, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
    Genjo Building, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Sep 28, 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 Kuun Dmuchowski) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Saturday Community (Talk by Kuun Dmuchowski) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Multiple Dates
    Saturday Community (Talk by Kuun Dmuchowski) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Sat, Sep 28
    Zendo
    Sep 28, 2024, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Sep 28, 2024, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Talk will be given by Kuun (空雲) Dmuchowski, following 10:30 am zazen. (The talk will be given on Zoom from Poland.) 10:30 am - 11:00 am Zazen 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Talk
  • Fall Study Group - ON SITE or ONLINE (All-Class Pass for 8 Weeks)
    Fall Study Group - ON SITE or ONLINE (All-Class Pass for 8 Weeks)
    Membership Offer
    Fall Study Group - ON SITE or ONLINE (All-Class Pass for 8 Weeks)
    Tue, Oct 01
    ON SITE (in Genjo Bldg) or ONLINE (on Zoom)
    Oct 01, 2024, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM PDT
    ON SITE (in Genjo Bldg) or ONLINE (on Zoom)
    Oct 01, 2024, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM PDT
    ON SITE (in Genjo Bldg) or ONLINE (on Zoom)
    Explore the fundamental teachings of Buddhism and build a foundation for daily practice through discussions on the book “The Diamond Sutra and The Sutra of Hui-neng” translated by A. F. Price & Wong Mou-lam.
  • Bodhidharma 3-Day Sesshin (1 to 3 Overnights) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Bodhidharma 3-Day Sesshin (1 to 3 Overnights) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Bodhidharma 3-Day Sesshin (1 to 3 Overnights) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Thu, Oct 03
    Zendo
    Oct 03, 2024, 6:00 PM PDT – Oct 06, 2024, 2:30 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Oct 03, 2024, 6:00 PM PDT – Oct 06, 2024, 2:30 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 you to complete your registration. $85/night & up. 10-20% discount for members. (Log in first to receive the member discount.)
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