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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.

Shinsanshiki Ceremony

Welcoming Our New Abbot
Nyoze Kwong

On September 2, 2023 we celebrated the installation of our new Abbot of Sonoma Mountain Zen Center. Nyoze represents the 92nd unbroken blood-lineage tracing back to Shakyamuni Buddha.

SMZCsept2nd-025.jpg

Upcoming Events ON SITE (in Person in the Zendo)
If you live within driving distance, please register to attend on site. For those who live out of town or unable to attend in person, see the event calendar to register for online events.

  • 'Entering the Gate' 1-Day Sitting - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    'Entering the Gate' 1-Day Sitting - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Multiple Dates
    'Entering the Gate' 1-Day Sitting - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Fri, May 03
    Zendo
    May 03, 2024, 6:00 PM PDT – May 04, 2024, 5:30 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    May 03, 2024, 6:00 PM PDT – May 04, 2024, 5:30 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    This retreat is an introduction to Zen training and an opportunity for beginners and experienced sitters to plunge into the heart of Zen practice. RSVP and we will contact you to complete your registration. $85/night & up. 10-20% discount for members.
  • Meditation Instruction (Includes Saturday Community) - ON SITE (in Genjo Building)
    Meditation Instruction (Includes Saturday Community) - ON SITE (in Genjo Building)
    Multiple Dates
    Meditation Instruction (Includes Saturday Community) - ON SITE (in Genjo Building)
    Sat, May 11
    Genjo Building
    May 11, 2024, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
    Genjo Building, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    May 11, 2024, 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 (Talk by Shindo Kevin Souza) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Saturday Community (Talk by Shindo Kevin Souza) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Multiple Dates
    Saturday Community (Talk by Shindo Kevin Souza) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Sat, May 11
    Zendo
    May 11, 2024, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    May 11, 2024, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Student talk will be given by Shindo (心土) Kevin Souza, a senior student of Kwong-roshi, following 10:30 am zazen. 10:30 am - 11:00 am Zazen 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Student Talk
  • Spring Sangha Gathering & Potluck - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Spring Sangha Gathering & Potluck - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Multiple Dates
    Spring Sangha Gathering & Potluck - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Sat, May 18
    Zendo & Sangha House
    May 18, 2024, 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM PDT
    Zendo & Sangha House, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    May 18, 2024, 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM PDT
    Zendo & Sangha House, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    We are hosting an informal get-together for Sonoma Mountain Zen Center's sangha members. This is an opportunity for members to connect, give feedback and hear about SMZC's direction and plans for the future. Please bring your favorite dish (for 6-8 people) to share with everyone.
  • Kids Community Overnight - Kids Campout Under The Stars!!!
    Kids Community Overnight - Kids Campout Under The Stars!!!
    Membership Offer
    Kids Community Overnight - Kids Campout Under The Stars!!!
    Fri, May 31
    On Site
    May 31, 2024, 4:30 PM PDT – Jun 01, 2024, 10:00 AM PDT
    On Site, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    May 31, 2024, 4:30 PM PDT – Jun 01, 2024, 10:00 AM PDT
    On Site, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Come pitch a tent and enjoy the spring’s evening sky. A great way to introduce families to SMZC. Both kids and parents are invited to participate in morning and evening light meditation periods. Outdoor marshmallow roast and S’mores. Join us for some down home mountain fun!
  • Spring Study Group - ON SITE or ONLINE (Week 8 Only)
    Spring Study Group - ON SITE or ONLINE (Week 8 Only)
    Multiple Dates
    Spring Study Group - ON SITE or ONLINE (Week 8 Only)
    Tue, Apr 30
    ON SITE (in Genjo Bldg) or ONLINE (on Zoom)
    Apr 30, 2024, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM PDT
    ON SITE (in Genjo Bldg) or ONLINE (on Zoom)
    Apr 30, 2024, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM PDT
    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 “Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind” by Shunryu Suzuki-roshi.
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