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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.

  • 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, Apr 27
    Genjo Building
    Apr 27, 2024, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
    Genjo Building, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Apr 27, 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 Jason 'Shinmei' Nichols) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Saturday Community (Talk by Jason 'Shinmei' Nichols) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Multiple Dates
    Saturday Community (Talk by Jason 'Shinmei' Nichols) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Sat, Apr 27
    Zendo
    Apr 27, 2024, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Apr 27, 2024, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Talk will be given by Jason Shinmei (心鳴) Nichols, following 10:30 am zazen. 10:30 am - 11:00 am Zazen 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Talk
  • Zafu Sewing Workshop - ON SITE (in Sangha House)
    Zafu Sewing Workshop - ON SITE (in Sangha House)
    Membership Offer
    Zafu Sewing Workshop - ON SITE (in Sangha House)
    Sat, Apr 27
    Sangha House
    Apr 27, 2024, 2:00 PM – Apr 28, 2024, 5:00 PM
    Sangha House, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Apr 27, 2024, 2:00 PM – Apr 28, 2024, 5:00 PM
    Sangha House, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Join us on site for this unique and rare opportunity to create your own Zafu! For this workshop, you can choose to make either 1 or 2 zafus. $85 (Saturday Only) or $120 (Both Days). 10-20% member discount.
  • '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.
  • 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.
  • Spring Study Group - ON SITE or ONLINE (Week 7 Only)
    Spring Study Group - ON SITE or ONLINE (Week 7 Only)
    Multiple Dates
    Spring Study Group - ON SITE or ONLINE (Week 7 Only)
    Tue, Apr 23
    ON SITE (in Genjo Bldg) or ONLINE (on Zoom)
    Apr 23, 2024, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM PDT
    ON SITE (in Genjo Bldg) or ONLINE (on Zoom)
    Apr 23, 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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