Sonoma Mountain Zen Center was founded in 1973 by Jakusho Kwong-roshi on 81 acres of rolling hills and woodlands on Sonoma Mountain, overlooking the Valley of the Moon in rural Sonoma County.
Kwong-roshi was among the first American students of Shunryu Suzuki-roshi, the Soto Zen priest who came to the United States from Japan in 1959. In 2023, Nyoze Kwong-osho ascended the mountain seat as the second Abbot of SMZC, a historic milestone marking the 92nd generation in an unbroken lineage from Shakyamuni Buddha.​
For over 50 years, Sonoma Mountain Zen Center has maintained an intimate and long-lasting relationship with Sotoshu Zen Headquarters in Japan. Monks from Eiheiji and Sojiji, the head training monasteries of Soto Zen, continue to visit and practice at SMZC. The Center serves as an essential bridge for the transmission of Zen Buddhism between East and West. SMZC is among the oldest Zen temples in the United States and the first family temple outside of Japan. SMZC is the mother temple to Dharma communities in Warsaw and Reykjavik, with students and practitioners around the world.
The Sonoma Mountain Mandala project emerged from Kwong-roshi’s vision to create a place of authentic Zen practice and establish an enduring temple on Sonoma Mountain that would serve humanity far into the future.
When Sonoma Mountain Zen Center applied to amend its use permit in 2011, the County approved the application. However, in 2016 additional requirements were imposed, mandating extensive infrastructure improvements, building upgrades, and the construction of a new community building, ultimately tripling the project’s scope and cost.
Through the generosity and commitment of many supporters, SMZC successfully raised $3 million. In 2017, those funds enabled completion of Phase One of the Sonoma Mountain Mandala, including essential infrastructure: new electrical, septic and water systems, drainage improvements, roads, parking areas, an agricultural building (workshop), demolition of aging cabins from the 1970s, and construction of two new resident and guest buildings.
With Phase One complete and with construction underway on a traditional three-portal Sanmon Gate, we have entered the next stage of awakening the Sonoma Mountain Mandala. Phase Two includes the Wisteria House Kuri (kitchen and community gathering space) and the future Manjushri Meditation Hall Zendo, scheduled for completion in 2031.​
While we have come a long way, these two essential buildings remain to fully realize the vision of the Sonoma Mountain Mandala. Our immediate focus is raising funds to complete the Wisteria House, followed by the final fundraising effort for the Manjushri Meditation Hall. Both goals are achievable and within reach.
With your support and generosity, we can fulfill Kwong-roshi’s vision of a truly enduring temple complex on this ancient mountain. A container vibrant enough to embody the authentic Zen spirit and inspire and welcome all walks of life.
CURRENT SITE PLAN
The construction of these buildings will bring Sonoma Mountain Zen Center into compliance with the county’s new codes.
From the depths of our hearts, we invite you to join us in this endeavor and contribute in whatever way you can. Together, we can create a lasting sanctuary dedicated to wisdom, compassion, and peace benefiting countless beings and carrying the Dharma forward for many generations to come.
