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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.

Living at SMZC

People interested in deepening their practice can live and train at Sonoma Mountain Zen Center as a resident. The Zen Center is a lay practice temple that creates an environment for infusing Zen practice into all daily activities.

  • Personal/Solo Retreat

  • Guest Resident Practice (up to 3 months)

  • Resident Training (1 year minimum)

Shinsanshiki Ceremony

Welcoming 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.

  • Rohatsu 5-Day Sesshin (1 to 5 Overnights) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Rohatsu 5-Day Sesshin (1 to 5 Overnights) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Rohatsu 5-Day Sesshin (1 to 5 Overnights) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Mon, Dec 02
    Zendo
    Dec 02, 2024, 6:00 PM PST – Dec 07, 2024, 8:00 AM PST
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Dec 02, 2024, 6:00 PM PST – Dec 07, 2024, 8:00 AM PST
    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 via online invoice. $85/night & up. 10-20% discount for members.
  • Tetsuya: All-Night Sitting & Founder's Sunrise Ceremony - ON SITE
    Tetsuya: All-Night Sitting & Founder's Sunrise Ceremony - ON SITE
    Membership Offer
    Tetsuya: All-Night Sitting & Founder's Sunrise Ceremony - ON SITE
    Fri, Dec 06
    Zendo
    Dec 06, 2024, 7:00 PM PST – Dec 07, 2024, 8:00 AM PST
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Dec 06, 2024, 7:00 PM PST – Dec 07, 2024, 8:00 AM PST
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    In the spirit of Buddha’s enlightenment, on Friday night we will be in tetsuya, which means we will “sit through the whole night,” from 12:00 am to 4:00 am. $25 admission
  • Founder's Sunrise Ceremony - ON SITE
    Founder's Sunrise Ceremony - ON SITE
    Founder's Sunrise Ceremony - ON SITE
    Sat, Dec 07
    Stupa & Sangha House
    Dec 07, 2024, 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM PST
    Stupa & Sangha House, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Dec 07, 2024, 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM PST
    Stupa & Sangha House, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Sangha members, families and friends are invited to attend our annual Founder's Sunrise Ceremony at 6:00am. By donation.
  • Saturday Community (Talk by Zenki Traustason) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Saturday Community (Talk by Zenki Traustason) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Multiple Dates
    Saturday Community (Talk by Zenki Traustason) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Sat, Nov 30
    Zendo
    Nov 30, 2024, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PST
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Nov 30, 2024, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PST
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Talk will be given by Zenki (全機) Traustason, Leading Teacher of Natthagi Zen Center in Reykjavik, Iceland, following 10:30 am zazen. (The talk will be given on Zoom from Iceland.) 10:30 am - 11:00 am Zazen 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Dharma Talk
  • Kids Community Monthly
    Kids Community Monthly
    Multiple Dates
    Kids Community Monthly
    Sat, Nov 30
    Garden
    Nov 30, 2024, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    Garden, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Nov 30, 2024, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    Garden, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Join us for a delightful morning, here on the mountain. Led by our sangha member Kristin 'Misan' Nichols. $15 admission/person (child or accompanying parent)
  • 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, Nov 30
    Genjo Building
    Nov 30, 2024, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST
    Genjo Building, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Nov 30, 2024, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST
    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.
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