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SMZC Is Open Mon–Sat to the Public.

Drop-ins are welcome during daily morning and evening zazen periods in the zendo or online. View daily meditation schedule.

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.

‘Watershed moment’ as new leader takes reins at Sonoma Mountain Zen Center

The center in Santa Rosa welcomed a new abbot for the first time since it was founded in 1973.

by Paulina Pineda

THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

September 2, 2023

Upcoming Onsite/In-Person Events in the Zendo
If you live within driving distance, please register to attend on site. Online events are listed below onsite events.

  • Study Group (WEEK 3) - ONSITE or ONLINE
    Study Group (WEEK 3) - ONSITE or ONLINE
    Multiple Dates
    Tue, Sep 26
    ON SITE (in Genjo Bldg) or ONLINE (on Zoom)
    Sep 26, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
    ON SITE (in Genjo Bldg) or ONLINE (on Zoom)
    Sep 26, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
    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 “Dogen’s Pure Standards for the Zen Community: A Translation of Eihei Shingi.”
  • September Fusatsu Ceremony - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    September Fusatsu Ceremony - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Multiple Dates
    Fri, Sep 29
    Zendo
    Sep 29, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Sep 29, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Come up & experience the Fusatsu (布薩) Atonement Ceremony of confession, purification and renewing vows. Participate in this beautiful monthly Zen tradition. 7:30 - 8:00pm Zazen 8:00 - 9:00pm Service
  • Meditation Instruction (Includes Saturday Community) - ON SITE (in Genjo Building)
    Meditation Instruction (Includes Saturday Community) - ON SITE (in Genjo Building)
    Multiple Dates
    Sat, Sep 30
    Genjo Building
    Sep 30, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
    Genjo Building, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Sep 30, 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 calm the mind and find balance in your daily life. Join us for our regular 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 (Student Talk by Michael Zenmen McCulloch) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Saturday Community (Student Talk by Michael Zenmen McCulloch) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Membership Offer
    Sat, Sep 30
    Zendo
    Sep 30, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Sep 30, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Student talk will be given by Michael Zenmen (前面) McCulloch, a student of Kwong-roshi, following 10:30 am zazen. 10:30 am - 11:00 am Zazen 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Student Talk
  • 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 05
    Zendo
    Oct 05, 6:00 PM PDT – Oct 08, 4:00 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Oct 05, 6:00 PM PDT – Oct 08, 4:00 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.)
  • Fall Temple Stay
    Fall Temple Stay
    Multiple Dates
    Fri, Oct 13
    Zendo
    Oct 13, 3:00 PM PDT – Oct 14, 1:30 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Oct 13, 3:00 PM PDT – Oct 14, 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.

Upcoming Online Events on Zoom
For those who live out of town. If you live within a driving distance, please make an effort to attend events in person on site.

  • Multiple Dates
    Tue, Sep 26
    ON SITE (in Genjo Bldg) or ONLINE (on Zoom)
    Sep 26, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
    ON SITE (in Genjo Bldg) or ONLINE (on Zoom)
    Sep 26, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
    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 “Dogen’s Pure Standards for the Zen Community: A Translation of Eihei Shingi.”
  • Multiple Dates
    Fri, Sep 29
    Zoom
    Sep 29, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM PDT
    Zoom
    Sep 29, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM PDT
    Zoom
    Come up & experience the Fusatsu (布薩) Atonement Ceremony of confession, purification and renewing vows. Participate in this beautiful monthly Zen tradition. 7:30 - 8:00pm Zazen 8:00 - 9:00pm Service
  • Membership Offer
    Sat, Sep 30
    Zoom
    Sep 30, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
    Zoom
    Sep 30, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
    Zoom
    Student talk will be given by Michael Zenmen (前面) McCulloch, a student of Kwong-roshi, following 10:30 am zazen. 10:30 am - 11:00 am Zazen 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Student Talk
  • Membership Offer
    Thu, Oct 05
    on Zoom
    Oct 05, 7:30 PM PDT – Oct 08, 3:30 PM PDT
    on Zoom
    Oct 05, 7:30 PM PDT – Oct 08, 3:30 PM PDT
    on Zoom
    Sesshin, literally “to touch the Mind,” is a period of time set aside for an intensive meditation retreat to let go of the conditioned self and resume our original nature. $120 admission. 10-20% member discount. (Please log in first to receive the discount.)
  • Multiple Dates
    Mon, Oct 09
    Closed
    Oct 09, 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
    Closed
    Oct 09, 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
    Closed
  • Multiple Dates
    Tue, Oct 10
    Closed
    Oct 10, 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
    Closed
    Oct 10, 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
    Closed
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