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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.

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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.

  • May Fusatsu Ceremony - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    May Fusatsu Ceremony - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Multiple Dates
    May Fusatsu Ceremony - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Fri, May 24
    Zendo
    May 24, 2024, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    May 24, 2024, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Come up & experience the Fusatsu (布薩) Atonement Ceremony of confession, purification and renewing vows. Participate in this beautiful monthly Zen tradition. 7:30 - 8:00pm Zazen 8:00 - 9:00pm Service
  • 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 25
    Genjo Building
    May 25, 2024, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
    Genjo Building, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    May 25, 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 Kashin Julie Kwong) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Saturday Community (Talk by Kashin Julie Kwong) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Multiple Dates
    Saturday Community (Talk by Kashin Julie Kwong) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Sat, May 25
    Zendo
    May 25, 2024, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    May 25, 2024, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Talk will be given by Kashin (花真) Julie Kwong, senior student of Kwong-roshi and ordained nun. 10:30 am - 11:00 am Zazen 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Dharma Talk
  • 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!
  • Dharma Talk by Nyoze Kwong-roshi - ON SITE (Sonoma Shambhala Meditation Center) or ONLINE (via Zoom)
    Dharma Talk by Nyoze Kwong-roshi - ON SITE (Sonoma Shambhala Meditation Center) or ONLINE (via Zoom)
    Dharma Talk by Nyoze Kwong-roshi - ON SITE (Sonoma Shambhala Meditation Center) or ONLINE (via Zoom)
    Sun, Jun 02
    Sonoma Shambhala Meditation Center
    Jun 02, 2024, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM PDT
    Sonoma Shambhala Meditation Center, 255 W Napa St, Sonoma, CA 95476, USA
    Jun 02, 2024, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM PDT
    Sonoma Shambhala Meditation Center, 255 W Napa St, Sonoma, CA 95476, USA
    Dharma talk "Turning the Light Inward" will be given by Nyoze Kwong, abbot of SMZC at Sonoma Shambhala Meditation Center in in Sonoma, CA or via Zoom. By Donation.
  • "Returning to the Ground of Being" 3-Day Sesshin (1 to 3 Overnights) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    "Returning to the Ground of Being" 3-Day Sesshin (1 to 3 Overnights) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    "Returning to the Ground of Being" 3-Day Sesshin (1 to 3 Overnights) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Thu, Jun 06
    Zendo
    Jun 06, 2024, 7:30 PM PDT – Jun 09, 2024, 4:00 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Jun 06, 2024, 7:30 PM PDT – Jun 09, 2024, 4:00 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    This retreat is a period of time set aside to let go of the conditioned self and resume our original nature. RSVP and we will email you to complete your registration. $85/night & up. 10-20% discount for members. (Log in first to receive the member discount.)
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