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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." We are are a lay practice center that upholds a traditional Zen practice schedule. We are open to the public and offer daily meditation, weekly programs, monthly meditation intensives, 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.

Meditation at Sonoma Mountain Zen Center
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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.

  • Personal/Solo Retreat

  • Guest Resident Practice

  • Resident Training

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • Meditation Instruction (Includes Saturday Community) - ON SITE (in Genjo Building)
    Meditation Instruction (Includes Saturday Community) - ON SITE (in Genjo Building)
    Multiple Dates
    Sat, Jan 25
    Genjo Building
    Jan 25, 2025, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST
    Genjo Building, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Jan 25, 2025, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST
    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.
  • Winter Ango Opening Ceremony - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Winter Ango Opening Ceremony - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Multiple Dates
    Sat, Jan 25
    Zendo
    Jan 25, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PST
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Jan 25, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PST
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Join us for Winter Ango Opening Ceremony with Shuso Michael Zenmen (前面) McCulloch. 10:30 - 11:00am Zazen 11:00 - 11:45am Opening Ceremony
  • Winter Ango Shuso Talk by Michael Zenmen (前面) McCulloch - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Winter Ango Shuso Talk by Michael Zenmen (前面) McCulloch - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Multiple Dates
    Sat, Feb 01
    Zendo
    Feb 01, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PST
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Feb 01, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PST
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Join us for Winter Ango Shuso Talk by Michael Zenmen (前面) McCulloch. 10:30 am - 11:00 am Zazen 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Shuso Talk
  • February Fusatsu Ceremony - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    February Fusatsu Ceremony - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Multiple Dates
    Fri, Feb 07
    Zendo
    Feb 07, 2025, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM PST
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Feb 07, 2025, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM PST
    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
  • Winter Ango Shuso Talk by Michael Zenmen (前面) McCulloch - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Winter Ango Shuso Talk by Michael Zenmen (前面) McCulloch - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Multiple Dates
    Sat, Feb 08
    Zendo
    Feb 08, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PST
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Feb 08, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PST
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Join us for Winter Ango Shuso Talk by Michael Zenmen (前面) McCulloch. 10:30 am - 11:00 am Zazen 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Shuso Talk
  • "Actualizing the Way" 7-Day Sesshin (1 to 7 Overnights) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    "Actualizing the Way" 7-Day Sesshin (1 to 7 Overnights) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Sun, Feb 09
    Zendo
    Feb 09, 2025, 7:30 PM PST – Feb 16, 2025, 4:45 PM PST
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Feb 09, 2025, 7:30 PM PST – Feb 16, 2025, 4:45 PM PST
    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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