Morning & Evening Zazen (Ongoing)
Morning Zazen: Monday - Saturday | 6:30 am–7:00 am PST
Evening Zazen: Wednesday - Friday | 7:30 pm–8:00 pm PST (No Tuesdays during Spring Study Group)
Ongoing online zazen on Zoom. For more info, visit the online zendo.
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 - The Zen Way of Beauty
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.
It is not I who see Buddha. It is Buddha seeing Buddha.
Beauty that stands opposed to ugliness is not true beauty.
True beauty is prior to beauty and ugliness. It is the true nature of all things.
Through sharing images and dialogue we will explore together aesthetic examples of the Zen Center that brings us back to practice.
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!
"Entering the Gate" 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 Gathering Online
Please join us for a community gathering on Monday, May 3 or on Monday, May 10 from 7:30 – 9:00 PM. We will use this time to discuss the reopening of Sonoma Mountain Zen Center for in-person practice, give an update on the Mandala Project, and provide our community with a space for questions and dialogue as we mark a year of online practice. We will also provide a short introduction of our newest sangha members and update everyone on some recent changes to membership.
We are offering two 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 9:00 pm PST
Monday, May 10, 2021, 7:30 pm to 9:00 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 Gathering Online
Please join us for a community gathering on Monday, May 3 or on Monday, May 10 from 7:30 – 9:00 PM. We will use this time to discuss the reopening of Sonoma Mountain Zen Center for in-person practice, give an update on the Mandala Project, and provide our community with a space for questions and dialogue as we mark a year of online practice. We will also provide a short introduction of our newest sangha members and update everyone on some recent changes to membership.
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!
“Beyond A Dream” Dedication, Celebration, Reopening and Return
10:30 am to 11:30 am PST
Join us for this special and joyous online event sharing the panel discussion by Roshi, Nyoze, Tim and Kashin at the zendo while being Zoomed live. We will be featuring the online film premiere of “Beyond A Dream: Father & Son Conversations.” It is dedicated to Suzuki-roshi’s 50th anniversary of his passing and transmission of this sacred lineage. It is also to celebrate Vesak (International Buddha’s Birthday) together with our worldwide sangha and to mark our transition into reopening and returning to our on-site practice. Questions and answers with the sangha following the film.
Registration required ($20 Admission)
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 Student Talk: Dan Kajin Landault
11:00 am to 11:30 am PST
Talk will be given by Dan Kajin Landault, a 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)
"Returning to the Ground of Being" 3-Day Sesshin Online
June 10, 2021 to June 13, 2021
7:30 pm to 5:00 pm 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 and resume our original nature. Please join us online for this special event. The schedule with links to come.
Register Online / BY DONATION
Saturday Community Dharma Talk: Uji Markiewicz
11:00 am to 11:30 am PST
Dharma talk will be given by Uji Markiewicz, Abbot of Kannon Sangha Warsaw, Poland, following 10:30 am zazen.
SMZC Closed
SMZC is closed on June 14, 2021.
Introduction to Zen 4-Week Course Online | Week 3 of 4: SMZC Lineage and History
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)
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 Kwong and Tensan Chuck Ramey.
Register at office@smzc.org
BY DONATION ($20/session suggested donation)
Saturday Community Student Talk: Kashin (花真) Julie Kwong
11:00 am to 11:30 am PST
Student 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 4 of 4: SMZC Tour/Visit
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)
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 Kwong and Kashin Kwong.
Register at office@smzc.org
BY DONATION ($20/session suggested donation)
Saturday Community Student Talk: Annie Seiken (精見) Hammang
11:00 am to 11:30 am PST
Talk will be given by Annie Seiken (精見) Hammang, a student of Kwong-roshi, following 10:30 am zazen.
“Moment to Moment” One-Day Sitting Online
An introductory retreat for both beginners and experienced sitters to plunge into the heart of Zen practice. Retreatants will experience a moderate schedule of zazen (six periods of sitting meditation).
Register Online / BY DONATION
Ordinary Beauty 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 Online / BY 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.
Special Evening Dharma Talk: Rev. Daitsū Tom Wright
Special Guest Teacher Dharma Talk by Rev. Daitsu T. Wright, from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm PST.
Free Registration Required | COVID FUNDRAISER ($20 suggested donation)
Temple Stay: Rest in a Restorative Environment and Experience Soto Zen Buddhism at SMZC
Temple stay is an opportunity to experience the rituals and spiritual practice of authentic Soto Zen Buddhism. Take the backward step and illuminate the jewel within yourself. Friday, July 16 - Saturday, July 17. Non-Member: $90 and up
Saturday Community Student Talk: Nancy Seiko Reder
11:00 am to 11:30 am PST
Talk will be given by Nancy Seiko Reder, a student of Kwong-roshi, following 10:30 am zazen.
Summer 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.
Register Online
SMZC Closed
SMZC is closed on July 19, 2021.
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.
Board Meeting
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm PST
Summer Ango Opening Ceremony
11:00 am to 12:00 pm PST
Summer Ango Opening Ceremony will be offered by Shuso (head student). She/He is a student of Kwong Roshi and a sangha member of ---.
Summer Ango Practice Period: July 31, 2021 to August 28, 2021
July 31, 2021 to August 28, 2021
SMZC's Summer Ango Practice Period begins. Kevin Shindo (心土) Souza will take the position as Shuso (head student). He is a student of Kwong Roshi and a SMZC sangha member. Opening ceremony will be July 31, 2021 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm PST.
Saturday Community Student Talk: Shuso
10:30 am to 11:30 am PST
Talk will be given by Shuso, ---, following 10:30 am zazen.
Bodhisattva Monk Ordination: Shukke Tokudo “Leaving Home and Entering the Way”
Please join us for our Bodhisattva Monk’s Ordination Ceremony. Students will publically make their commitment in “Leaving Family Life” to transcend the values of secular life and to assume the forms of a Buddhist Monk. “Leaving Family Life” is
to leave home and let go of all your secular conditions and begin anew. Students will publically acknowledge and deepen their commitment to their Buddhist path and to continue as a life long practice not only for themselves but to benefit all sentient beings. Ceremony includes the presentation of monks robes and bowls, receving O’kesa (Buddha’s robe) and confirmation of the lifeblood of the Buddha’s and Patriarchs.
Ango Sesshin
August 15, 2021 to August 21, 2021
7:30 pm to 5:00 pm 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 and resume our original nature. Please join us online for this special event. The schedule with links is HERE.
Open to all. Dana accepted.
Saturday Community Student/Dharma Talk: Shuso & Jakusho Kwong-Roshi
10:30 am to 11:30 am PST
Talk/Dharma talk will be given by Shuso, --, and Jakusho Kwong-roshi, founding abbot of SMZC, following 10:30 am zazen.
Mondo: End of Summer Ango
Time
Participants will ask Shuso (head student) Ania Eko 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.