top of page

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.

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.

  • January Fusatsu Ceremony - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    January Fusatsu Ceremony - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Multiple Dates
    January Fusatsu Ceremony - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Fri, Jan 10
    Zendo
    Jan 10, 2025, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM PST
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Jan 10, 2025, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM PST
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Be present for & experience the Fusatsu (布薩) At-one-ment Ceremony of release, purification, and presence with the full moon. 7:30 – 8:00pm Zazen 8:00 – 9:00pm Service
  • Saturday Community (Talk by Nyoze Kwong) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Saturday Community (Talk by Nyoze Kwong) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Multiple Dates
    Saturday Community (Talk by Nyoze Kwong) - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Sat, Jan 11
    Zendo
    Jan 11, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PST
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Jan 11, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PST
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Talk will be given by Nyoze Kwong, abbot of SMZC, following 10:30-11:00 am zazen. 10:30 am - 11:00 am Zazen 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Dharma Talk
  • Winter Sangha Gathering & Potluck - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Winter Sangha Gathering & Potluck - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Multiple Dates
    Winter Sangha Gathering & Potluck - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Sat, Jan 18
    Zendo & Sangha House
    Jan 18, 2025, 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM PST
    Zendo & Sangha House, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Jan 18, 2025, 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM PST
    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.
  • Winter Ango Opening Ceremony - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Winter Ango Opening Ceremony - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Multiple Dates
    Winter Ango Opening Ceremony - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Sat, Jan 25
    Zendo
    Jan 25, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PST
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Jan 25, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PST
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Join us for Winter Ango Opening Ceremony with Shuso Michael Zenmen (前面) McCulloch. 10:30 - 11:00am Zazen 11:00 - 11:45am Opening Ceremony
  • 'New Year's Entering the Gate' 1-Day Sitting - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    'New Year's Entering the Gate' 1-Day Sitting - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Multiple Dates
    'New Year's Entering the Gate' 1-Day Sitting - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Fri, Jan 03
    Zendo
    Jan 03, 2025, 6:00 PM PST – Jan 04, 2025, 5:30 PM PST
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Jan 03, 2025, 6:00 PM PST – Jan 04, 2025, 5:30 PM PST
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Begin the new year with a day spent in silence to manifest your true nature, your original mind. Perfect for beginning as well as experienced sitters. RSVP and we will email to confirm accommodation details and complete your registration. $85-160/night. 10-20% discount for members.
  • Ringing in the New Year: Welcoming 2025 Year of the Snake - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Ringing in the New Year: Welcoming 2025 Year of the Snake - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Membership Offer
    Ringing in the New Year: Welcoming 2025 Year of the Snake - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Tue, Dec 31
    Zendo & Sangha House
    Dec 31, 2024, 10:30 PM PST – Jan 01, 2025, 1:00 AM PST
    Zendo & Sangha House, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Dec 31, 2024, 10:30 PM PST – Jan 01, 2025, 1:00 AM PST
    Zendo & Sangha House, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    A wonderful chance to get together and renew our commitment to practice for the New Year. Onsite only event (not available online).
bottom of page