Fall Study Group: Tuesdays 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.

An opportunity to explore the fundamental teachings of Buddhism and build a foundation for daily practice through discussions on a book. October 1 - November 12. This Fall, we will be studying "Deepest Practice, Deepest Wisdom. Three Fascicles from Shobogenzo with Commentaries", by Kosho Uchiyama. FLYER

Introduction to Zen Workshop: Returning to Forms and Rituals of Everyday Life

An introduction to the basics of Zen with instructor Koten David Price.MORE DETAILS HERE

Saturday Dharma Talk: 11:00 a.m. zendo

Dharma talk will be given by Jakusho Kwong-roshi, founding abbot of Sonoma Mountain Zen Center, following zazen.

Saturday Community Student Talk: 11:00 a.m. Zendo

Talk will be given by Susan 'Gesshin' Frey, a SMZC resident and a long-term student of Kwong-roshi, following zazen.

Jukai Ceremony: Receiving the Precepts 2:00 pm- 4:00pm

Jukai literally means "to receive the precepts."  Jakusho Kwong-roshi will offer the precepts to the following students;  Brion Baer, Michael McCulloch, Jason Nichols, Sheryl Hamilton, Margaret Tighe, Annie Hammang and Kristin Merz Nichols  in the traditional Buddhist Refuge Ceremony.  Jukai is the ceremony of formally becoming a Buddhist and of taking the 16 Bodhisattva precepts as guidelines for life.  2:00 p.m.  Reception 2:45p.m.

Celebrate Thanksgiving on the Mountain

A Sangha-wide celebration of the traditional holiday in potluck fashion.  Members invited to bring their families, friends, and a savory dish to join the feast and give thanks together.  1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m..

Shakyamuni Buddha's Enlightenment Sesshin

A special sesshin to commemorate the anniversary of Shakyamuni Buddha's Enlightenment.  The last night of the retreat we will sit from midnight to 4:00 a.m. and conclude with a memorial procession to Shunryu Suzuki-roshi's stupa.  

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For those who cannot make Rohatsu during the week, join us Friday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. for tetsuya, “the all night sitting.” Following the all night sit, at 6 a.m., we will walk in procession down to Suzuki-roshi’s stupa for the founder’s ceremony. We will close Rohatsu with breakfast in the Sangha House. All members are encouraged to attend tetsuya and/or the founder’s ceremony. 

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December 2 - December 7. 

Sunrise Ceremony - Memorial for Shunryu Suzuki-roshi

On Saturday December 7th at 6:00 a.m. we will begin a memorial procession to Suzuki-roshi’s Memorial Stupa from the zendo.  We express our gratitude, offer incense, ladle water, and recite the Great Compassionate Dharani as we witness the sunrise over the Valley of the Moon. Open to the public.  Informal breakfast follows at 7:30 a.m. $10 donation appreciated.

Saturday Dharma Talk: 11:00 a.m. Zendo

Dharma talk will be given by Jakusho Kwong-roshi, founding abbot of Sonoma Mountain Zen Center, following zazen.

This program is an opportunity for Sangha members and friends to introduce their children to the Zen Center in a fun and creative way.  Supervised, age-appropriate activities introduce children to the Zen Center as a fun, safe, nurturing environment. Children can join their parents for an informal vegetarian lunch following activities. Parents are welcome to join in the fun along with their children or participate in Saturday community practice.

SMZC Closed for Winter Break

December 15 - January 2

Ringing in the New Year - Welcoming 2020 Year of the Rat

A wonderful chance to get together and renew our commitment to practice for the New Year.  Join the community for traditional, informal noodles in the sangha house. After a short zazen to close the year, at exactly midnight, everyone will get a chance will ring SMZC's great bell 108 times to welcome the New Year of the Rat.  Bring a small piece of paper inscribed with any Karmic hindrances you wish to burn away during the ceremony.  Refreshments offered following the ceremony. Tuesday, December 31, 10:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.. For more details...