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Sonoma Mountain Zen Center is a Soto Zen practice center in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki-roshi, founded by Jakusho Kwong-roshi. Our temple is dedicated to the act of Zazen, "just sitting." We are a lay practice center that upholds a traditional Zen practice schedule. We are open to the public and offer daily meditation, weekly programs, monthly meditation intensives, 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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • Meditation Instruction (Includes Saturday Community) - ON SITE (in Genjo Building)
    Meditation Instruction (Includes Saturday Community) - ON SITE (in Genjo Building)
    Multiple Dates
    Sep 12, 2026, 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM PDT
    Genjo Building, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Sep 12, 2026, 9:00 AM – 1:30 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 return to your calm mind and create a stable foundation. Join us for our Saturday Community program (included in the fee) immediately following instruction. Please arrive at 8:50 am at the Sangha House to check in.
  • Summer Ango Shuso Talk by Alfred Chozetsu - ONLINE (on Zoom)
    Summer Ango Shuso Talk by Alfred Chozetsu - ONLINE (on Zoom)
    Multiple Dates
    Sep 12, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
    Sep 12, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
    Zoom
    Join us for Summer Ango Shuso Talk by Alfred Chozetsu (長舌). 10:30 am - 11:00 am Zazen 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Shuso Talk
  • Summer Ango Shuso Talk by Alfred Chozetsu - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Summer Ango Shuso Talk by Alfred Chozetsu - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Multiple Dates
    Sep 12, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Sep 12, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Join us for Summer Ango Shuso Talk by Alfred Chozetsu (長舌). 10:30 am - 11:00 am Zazen 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Shuso Talk
  • "Actualizing the Self" 7-Day Sesshin (1 to 7 Overnights) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    "Actualizing the Self" 7-Day Sesshin (1 to 7 Overnights) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Sep 13, 2026, 7:00 PM PDT – Sep 20, 2026, 4:45 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Sep 13, 2026, 7:00 PM PDT – Sep 20, 2026, 4:45 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 to confirm accommodation details and complete your registration. $85/night & up (based on room type). 10-20% discount for members.
  • "Actualizing the Self" 7-Day Sesshin (All 7-Days) - ONLINE (on Zoom)
    "Actualizing the Self" 7-Day Sesshin (All 7-Days) - ONLINE (on Zoom)
    Membership Offer
    Sep 13, 2026, 7:30 PM PDT – Sep 20, 2026, 4:45 PM PDT
    Sep 13, 2026, 7:30 PM PDT – Sep 20, 2026, 4:45 PM PDT
    Zoom
    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.
  • Sesshin Talk by Shuso Alfred Chozetsu - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Sesshin Talk by Shuso Alfred Chozetsu - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Multiple Dates
    Sep 15, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Sep 15, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM PDT
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Sesshin talk will be given by Shuso Alfred Chozetsu (長舌), following one period of zazen. 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm Zazen 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm Sesshin Shuso Talk
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