top of page

Sonoma Mountain Zen Center is a Soto Zen practice center in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki-roshi, founded by Jakusho Kwong-roshi. Our temple is dedicated to the act of Zazen, "just sitting." We 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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • Summer Temple Stay
    Summer Temple Stay
    Multiple Dates
    Jul 24, 2026, 3:00 PM PDT – Jul 25, 2026, 1:30 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Jul 24, 2026, 3:00 PM PDT – Jul 25, 2026, 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
    Jul 25, 2026, 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM PDT
    Genjo Building, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Jul 25, 2026, 9:00 AM – 1:30 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 James Alexander) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Saturday Community (Talk by James Alexander) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Multiple Dates
    Jul 25, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Jul 25, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Talk will be given by James Alexander, author of Courage in the Face of Cruelty, following 10:30-11:00 am zazen. 10:30 am - 11:00 am Zazen 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Talk
  • Saturday Community (Talk by James Alexander) - ONLINE (on Zoom)
    Saturday Community (Talk by James Alexander) - ONLINE (on Zoom)
    Multiple Dates
    Jul 25, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
    Jul 25, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
    Zoom
    Talk will be given by James Alexander, author of Courage in the Face of Cruelty, following 10:30-11:00 am zazen. 10:30 am - 11:00 am Zazen 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Talk
  • July Fusatsu Ceremony - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    July Fusatsu Ceremony - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Multiple Dates
    Jul 31, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Jul 31, 2026, 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
  • July Fusatsu Ceremony - ONLINE (on Zoom)
    July Fusatsu Ceremony - ONLINE (on Zoom)
    Multiple Dates
    Jul 31, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM PDT
    Jul 31, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM PDT
    Zoom
    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
bottom of page