Morning & Evening Zazen (Ongoing)
Morning Zazen: Monday - Saturday | 6:30 am–7:00 am PST
Evening Zazen: Tuesday - Friday | 7:30 pm–8:00 pm PST
Ongoing online zazen on Zoom. For more info, visit the online zendo.
Winter Ango Practice Period: January 30, 2021 to February 27, 2021 Online
January 30, 2021 to February 27, 2021
SMZC's Winter Ango Practice Period begins. Eko Ania Mills will take the position as Shuso (head student). She is a long-time student of Kwong Roshi and a sangha member of Kannon Zen Center, SMZC's affiliate in Warsaw, Poland. Opening ceremony begins at 11:00 am. For more info, visit the online zendo.
Saturday Community Shuso Talk: Eko Ania Mills
11:00 am to 11:30 am PST
Talk will be given by Eko Ania Mills, Shuso (head student), following 10:30 am zazen.
Saturday Community Shuso Talk: Eko Ania Mills
11:00 am to 11:30 am PST
Talk will be given by Eko Ania Mills, Shuso (head student), following 10:30 am zazen.
"Actualizing the Way" Seven-Day Sesshin Online
February 14, 2021 at 7:30 pm to February 21, 2021 at 11:00 am PST
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 in order to resume our original nature. This sesshin is a 7-day practice period that will allow us to dive into the core of zen training. A silent meditation intensive for experienced sitters to still the mind from moment to moment manifesting the realization of the Way. The online schedule begins at 6:30 a.m. and includes 7 periods of meditation, chanting, mindful work, Dharma talks, and dokusans (private interviews). Days end at 8:50 p.m. The retreat begins at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 14 and ends Sunday, February 21 at 11 a.m. [Details...]
Open to all. Dana accepted.
Saturday Community Shuso/Dharma Talk: Eko Ania Mills & Jakusho Kwong-roshi
11:00 am to 11:30 am PST
Talk/Dharma talk will be given by Eko Ania Mills, Shuso (head student), and Jakusho Kwong-roshi, founding abbot of SMZC, following 10:30 am zazen.
"Revealing the Dharma" Closing Ceremony and Mondo
10:30 am zazen; 11:00 am "Revealing the Dharma" closing ceremony
Participants will ask Shuso (head student) Eko Ania Mills dharma questions to reveal the truth of practice. We encourage all members to close the practice period with us. Mondo is online and open to the public.
SMZC Closed
SMZC is closed on Monday, March 1, 2021 and Tuesday, March 2, 2021.
Introduction to Zen 4-Week Course | Week 1 of 4: Posture and Forms
Wednesday, March 3, 10 & 17, 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm PST (Online)
Saturday, March 27, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm PST (On Site)
The posture of Zazen, seated meditation, is the cornerstone to Zen practice. This is the radical act of just sitting. In sitting, we experience the embodied reality of the dropping off of the mind and returning to things as they are. Learn the principles of breath and seated positions as a foundation for spiritual practice.
This workshop will be taught by Koten (孤天) David Price and Jinbun (自分) Jesse Brunette.
Register at office@smzc.org
BY DONATION ($20/session suggested donation)
Saturday Community Dharma Talk: Jakusho Kwong-roshi
11:00 am to 11:30 am PST
Dharma talk will be given by Jakusho Kwong-roshi, founding abbot of SMZC, following 10:30 am zazen.
Spring Study Group | Week 1 of 12
March 9, 2021 to May 25, 2021
Tuesdays 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm PST
An opportunity to explore the fundamental teachings of Buddhism and build a foundation for daily practice through discussions on the book “DOGEN’S GENJO KOAN with Three Commentaries” by Eihei Dogen. This 12-week course occurs every Tuesday from 7:30 to 9:00 pm PST starting March 9, 2021. We invite newcomers to join us!
Contact office@smzc.org to register.
Introduction to Zen 4-Week Course | Week 2 of 4: Buddhist Thought
Wednesday, March 3, 10 & 17, 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm PST (Online)
Saturday, March 27, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm PST (On Site)
You will be introduced to Buddhist thought, beginning with Eihei Dogen, the monk who founded the Soto Zen lineage in 1247, Japan. Dogen taught Zen Buddhism as a practical mysticism for everyday life. We will talk about the principles of no self in Mahayana philosophy. You will learn the origins of Buddhism in Shakyamuni Buddha’s noble truths that life is suffering, all things are impermanent, and the leap beyond for the liberation of all beings.
This workshop will be taught by Kaian (海安) John Jennings and Genzen (現前) Ed Cadman.
Register at office@smzc.org
BY DONATION ($20/session suggested donation)
"Just This Moment" One-Day Sitting Online
Deepen your practice and join us from 6:30 am to 12 pm. An introductory retreat for both beginners and experienced sitters to plunge into the heart of Zen practice. We invite newcomers to join us! For more info, visit the online zendo.
6:00 a.m. Wake up
6:23 a.m. Bonsho
6:30 a.m. Zazen
7:10 a.m. Break
7:20 a.m. Zazen
8:00 a.m. Soji (temple cleaning at home)
8:20 a.m. Zazen
8:30 a.m. Break (silent meal at home)
9:20 a.m. Zazen
10:00 a.m. Break
10:10 a.m. Zazen
10:50 a.m. Break
11:00 a.m. Zazen
11:50 a.m. Recite Four Vows
12:00 p.m. Closing Circle Ceremony
Open to all. BY DONATION ($20 suggested donation)
Spring Study Group | Week 2 of 12
March 9, 2021 to May 25, 2021
Tuesdays 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm PST
An opportunity to explore the fundamental teachings of Buddhism and build a foundation for daily practice through discussions on the book “DOGEN’S GENJO KOAN with Three Commentaries” by Eihei Dogen. This 12-week course occurs every Tuesday from 7:30 to 9:00 pm PST starting March 9, 2021. We invite newcomers to join us!
Contact office@smzc.org to drop in!
Introduction to Zen 4-Week Course | Week 3 of 4: SMZC Lineage and History
Wednesday, March 3, 10 & 17, 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm PST (Online)
Saturday, March 27, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm PST (On Site)
Learn about our lineage, the silent illumination lineage. In Buddhism, the lineage of teacher to student and mind to mind is how we transmit the teachings of Buddha. SMZC practices as the 92nd generation of its lineage which stretches all the way back to Shakyamuni Buddha. Discover important teachers in our lineage as it moved from India to China to Japan to San Francisco in the 1960s. You will learn about the founder of our temple--abbot Jakusho Kwong-roshi since 1974 and almost 50 years of continuous practice at the center.
This workshop will be taught by Nyoze (如是) Kwong and Chuck Tensan (天山) Ramey.
Register at office@smzc.org
BY DONATION ($20/session suggested donation)
Saturday Community Dharma Talk: Katsuzen King
11:00 am to 11:30 am PST
Dharma talk will be given by Katsuzen King, a senior student of Kwong-roshi for 44 years and founding teacher of Windsor Zen Group. He is also the Editor-in-Chief of SMZC's Mountain Wind since 1982. Following 10:30 am zazen.
Spring Study Group | Week 3 of 12
March 9, 2021 to May 25, 2021
Tuesdays 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm PST
An opportunity to explore the fundamental teachings of Buddhism and build a foundation for daily practice through discussions on the book “DOGEN’S GENJO KOAN with Three Commentaries” by Eihei Dogen. This 12-week course occurs every Tuesday from 7:30 to 9:00 pm PST starting March 9, 2021.
We invite newcomers to join us. Contact office@smzc.org to drop in!
Saturday Community Student Talk: Erik Zenjin Shearer
11:00 am to 11:30 am PST
Student talk will be given by Erik Zenjin Shearer, a student of Kwong-roshi, following 10:30 am zazen.
Introduction to Zen 4-Week Course | Week 4 of 4: SMZC Tour/Visit
Wednesday, March 3, 10 & 17, 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm PST (Online)
Saturday, March 27, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm PST (On Site)
Come visit the grounds at Sonoma Mountain Zen Center. Experience the sacred land of the mountain with social distancing measures. Our temple sits in 85 acres of redwoods and oaks overlooking the Valley of the Moon. We will walk in the woods to the memorial grounds and stupas for teachers Shunryu Suzuki-roshi and Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Enjoy guided tours of the hundred-year-old barn which has been our original meditation hall and our new temple in construction.
This workshop will be taught by Nyoze (如是) Kwong and Kashin (花真) Kwong.
Register at office@smzc.org
BY DONATION ($20/session suggested donation)
Spring Workfest
8:30 am to 12:30 pm
Breathe new energy into the center with friends and family of the Sonoma Mountain Sangha. Come and join us in maintaining temple grounds in the spirit of together-action.
SMZC Closed
SMZC is closed on Monday, March 29, 2021.
Spring Study Group | Week 4 of 12
March 9, 2021 to May 25, 2021
Tuesdays 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm PST
An opportunity to explore the fundamental teachings of Buddhism and build a foundation for daily practice through discussions on the book “DOGEN’S GENJO KOAN with Three Commentaries” by Eihei Dogen. This 12-week course occurs every Tuesday from 7:30 to 9:00 pm PST starting March 9, 2021.
We invite newcomers to join us. Contact office@smzc.org to register!
Buddha's Birthday Three-Day Sesshin Online
March 31, 2021 at 7:30 pm to April 3, 2021 at 12:00 pm PST
Sesshin, literally “to touch the Mind,” is a period of intensive meditation retreat to let go of the conditioned self and resume our original nature. This special time of practice will allow us to dive into the core of Zen training in the spirit of Shakyamuni’s Birth.
Register at office@smzc.org
48th Flower Festival Celebration/Buddha's Birthday Online
1:00 pm TBD (Details to follow)
SMZC Closed
SMZC is closed on Monday, April 5, 2021.
Spring Study Group | Week 5 of 12
March 9, 2021 to May 25, 2021
Tuesdays 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm PST
An opportunity to explore the fundamental teachings of Buddhism and build a foundation for daily practice through discussions on the book “DOGEN’S GENJO KOAN with Three Commentaries” by Eihei Dogen. This 12-week course occurs every Tuesday from 7:30 to 9:00 pm PST starting March 9, 2021.
We invite newcomers to join us. Contact office@smzc.org to register!
Special Guest Dharma Talk: Shohaku Okumura-roshi
Saturday, April 10, 2021
10:30 am to 12:00 pm PST
Special Guest Teacher Shohaku Okumura-roshi will give an online Dharma talk on Saturday, April 10 from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm PST.
COVID FUNDRAISER: Donate Now ($20 suggested donation)
Spring Study Group | Week 6 of 12
March 9, 2021 to May 25, 2021
Tuesdays 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm PST
An opportunity to explore the fundamental teachings of Buddhism and build a foundation for daily practice through discussions on the book “DOGEN’S GENJO KOAN with Three Commentaries” by Eihei Dogen. This 12-week course occurs every Tuesday from 7:30 to 9:00 pm PST starting March 9, 2021.
We invite newcomers to join us. Contact office@smzc.org to register!
Saturday Community Student Talk: Gyda Myoji Tryggvagottir
11:00 am to 11:30 am PST
Student talk will be given by Gyða Myoji Dröfn Tryggvagóttir, a student of Kwong-roshi, following 10:30 am zazen.
Ordinary Beauty IV Online
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm PST
The heart of Zen is in everyday action. It permeates our waking life in simple acts. Kashin Kwong will continue her exploration of ordinary beauty in our daily lives.
Register at office@smzc.org.
Board Meeting
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm PST
Board of Trustees Meeting
Spring Study Group | Week 7 of 12
March 9, 2021 to May 25, 2021
Tuesdays 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm PST
An opportunity to explore the fundamental teachings of Buddhism and build a foundation for daily practice through discussions on the book “DOGEN’S GENJO KOAN with Three Commentaries” by Eihei Dogen. This 12-week course occurs every Tuesday from 7:30 to 9:00 pm PST starting March 9, 2021.
We invite newcomers to join us. Contact office@smzc.org to register!
Saturday Community Dharma Talk: Nyoze Kwong
11:00 am to 11:30 am PST
Dharma talk will be given by Nyoze Kwong, Vice Abbot of Sonoma Mountain Zen Center, following 10:30 am zazen.
Spring Study Group | Week 8 of 12
March 9, 2021 to May 25, 2021
Tuesdays 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm PST
An opportunity to explore the fundamental teachings of Buddhism and build a foundation for daily practice through discussions on the book “DOGEN’S GENJO KOAN with Three Commentaries” by Eihei Dogen. This 12-week course occurs every Tuesday from 7:30 to 9:00 pm PST starting March 9, 2021.
We invite newcomers to join us. Contact office@smzc.org to register!
"Just This Moment" One-Day Sitting Online
Deepen your practice and join us from 6:30 am to 12 pm. An introductory retreat for both beginners and experienced sitters to plunge into the heart of Zen practice. We invite newcomers to join us! For more info, visit the online zendo.
6:00 a.m. Wake up
6:23 a.m. Bonsho
6:30 a.m. Zazen
7:10 a.m. Break
7:20 a.m. Zazen
8:00 a.m. Soji (temple cleaning at home)
8:20 a.m. Zazen
8:30 a.m. Break (silent meal at home)
9:20 a.m. Zazen
10:00 a.m. Break
10:10 a.m. Zazen
10:50 a.m. Break
11:00 a.m. Zazen
11:50 a.m. Recite Four Vows
12:00 p.m. Closing Circle Ceremony
Open to all. BY DONATION ($20 suggested donation)
Sangha Round Table Online
We are hosting an informal Zoom get together for Sonoma Mountain Zen Center's Sangha Members. This is an opportunity for members to connect, give positive feedback and hear about SMZC's direction and plans for the upcoming year. We know that it has been a challenging time for many of us and we want to make sure that we are all staying connected.
We are offering 2 different nights with a maximum of 30 participants each night. Please come to one of the gatherings below. We would love to see and hear from you.
Monday, May 3, 2021, 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm PST
Monday, May 10, 2021, 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm PST
Please register to sign up and a link will be sent to you.
Spring Study Group | Week 9 of 12
March 9, 2021 to May 25, 2021
Tuesdays 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm PST
An opportunity to explore the fundamental teachings of Buddhism and build a foundation for daily practice through discussions on the book “DOGEN’S GENJO KOAN with Three Commentaries” by Eihei Dogen. This 12-week course occurs every Tuesday from 7:30 to 9:00 pm PST starting March 9, 2021.
We invite newcomers to join us. Contact office@smzc.org to register!
Saturday Community Dharma Talk: Jakusho Kwong-Roshi
10:30 am to 11:30 am PST
Dharma talk will be given by Jakusho Kwong-roshi, founding abbot of SMZC, following 10:30 am zazen.
Sangha Round Table Online
We are hosting an informal Zoom get together for Sonoma Mountain Zen Center's Sangha Members. This is an opportunity for members to connect, give positive feedback and hear about SMZC's direction and plans for the upcoming year. We know that it has been a challenging time for many of us and we want to make sure that we are all staying connected.
We are offering 2 different nights with a maximum of 30 participants each night. Please come to one of the gatherings below. We would love to see and hear from you.
Monday, May 3, 2021, 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm PST
Monday, May 10, 2021, 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm PST
Please register to sign up and a link will be sent to you.
Spring Study Group | Week 10 of 12
March 9, 2021 to May 25, 2021
Tuesdays 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm PST
An opportunity to explore the fundamental teachings of Buddhism and build a foundation for daily practice through discussions on the book “DOGEN’S GENJO KOAN with Three Commentaries” by Eihei Dogen. This 12-week course occurs every Tuesday from 7:30 to 9:00 pm PST starting March 9, 2021.
We invite newcomers to join us. Contact office@smzc.org to register!
Saturday Community Student Talk: Sheryl Gyonyo (形如) Hamilton
11:30 am to 11:30 am PST
Talk will be given by Sheryl Gyonyo (形如) Hamilton, a student of Kwong-roshi, following 10:30 am zazen.
Spring Study Group | Week 11 of 12
March 9, 2021 to May 25, 2021
Tuesdays 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm PST
An opportunity to explore the fundamental teachings of Buddhism and build a foundation for daily practice through discussions on the book “DOGEN’S GENJO KOAN with Three Commentaries” by Eihei Dogen. This 12-week course occurs every Tuesday from 7:30 to 9:00 pm PST starting March 9, 2021.
We invite newcomers to join us. Contact office@smzc.org to register!
Saturday Community Student Talk: Kunn (空雲) Jurek Dmuchowski
11:00 am to 11:30 am PST
Talk will be given by Kunn (空雲) Jurek Dmuchowski, a leading teacher of Kannon Zen Center, an SMZC affiliate, in Warsaw, Poland, following 10:30 am zazen.
Spring Study Group | Week 12 of 12
March 9, 2021 to May 25, 2021
Tuesdays 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm PST
An opportunity to explore the fundamental teachings of Buddhism and build a foundation for daily practice through discussions on the book “DOGEN’S GENJO KOAN with Three Commentaries” by Eihei Dogen. This 12-week course occurs every Tuesday from 7:30 to 9:00 pm PST starting March 9, 2021.
We invite newcomers to join us. Contact office@smzc.org to register!
Kid's Community Overnight: Night Under the Stars
May 28, 2021 to May 29, 2021
3:00 pm to 9:00 am
Bring your family, tents, and sleeping bags for a night of camping up on Sonoma Mountain. There will be time to explore the forest and guided meditation for the whole family.
Saturday Community Dharma Talk: Kashin (花真) Julie Kwong
1100 am to 11:30 am PST
Dharma talk will be given by Kashin (花真) Julie Kwong, a long time student of Kwong-roshi, following 10:30 am zazen.
Introduction to Zen 4-Week Course | Week 1 of 4: Posture and Forms
Wednesday, June 2, 9 & 16, 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm PST (Online)
Saturday, June 26, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm PST (On Site)
The posture of Zazen, seated meditation, is the cornerstone to Zen practice. This is the radical act of just sitting. In sitting, we experience the embodied reality of the dropping off of the mind and returning to things as they are. Learn the principles of breath and seated positions as a foundation for spiritual practice.
This workshop will be taught by David Koten Price.
Register at office@smzc.org
BY DONATION ($20/session suggested donation)
Saturday Community Dharma Talk: Jakusho Kwong-Roshi
10:30 am to 11:30 am PST
Dharma talk will be given by Jakusho Kwong-roshi, founding abbot of SMZC, following 10:30 am zazen.
Introduction to Zen 4-Week Online | Week 2 of 4: Buddhist Thought
Wednesday, June 2, 9 & 16, 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm PST (Online)
Saturday, June 26, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm PST (On Site)
You will be introduced to Buddhist thought, beginning with Eihei Dogen, the monk who founded the Soto Zen lineage in 1247, Japan. Dogen taught Zen Buddhism as a practical mysticism for everyday life. We will talk about the principles of no self in Mahayana philosophy. You will learn the origins of Buddhism in Shakyamuni Buddha’s noble truths that life is suffering, all things are impermanent, and the leap beyond for the liberation of all beings.
This workshop will be taught by Kaian John Jennings and Genzen Ed Cadman.
Register at office@smzc.org
BY DONATION ($20/session suggested donation)