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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.

  • November Fusatsu Ceremony - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    November Fusatsu Ceremony - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Multiple Dates
    November Fusatsu Ceremony - ON SITE (in Zendo)
    Fri, Nov 15
    Zendo
    Nov 15, 2024, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM PST
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Nov 15, 2024, 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
  • 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 16
    Genjo Building
    Nov 16, 2024, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST
    Genjo Building, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Nov 16, 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.
  • Kids Community Monthly
    Kids Community Monthly
    Multiple Dates
    Kids Community Monthly
    Sat, Nov 16
    Garden
    Nov 16, 2024, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    Garden, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Nov 16, 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)
  • 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, Nov 16
    Zendo
    Nov 16, 2024, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PST
    Zendo, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
    Nov 16, 2024, 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
  • Fall Study Group - ON SITE or ONLINE (Week 7 of 8 Only)
    Fall Study Group - ON SITE or ONLINE (Week 7 of 8 Only)
    Multiple Dates
    Fall Study Group - ON SITE or ONLINE (Week 7 of 8 Only)
    Tue, Nov 19
    ON SITE (in Genjo Bldg) or ONLINE (on Zoom)
    Nov 19, 2024, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM PST
    ON SITE (in Genjo Bldg) or ONLINE (on Zoom)
    Nov 19, 2024, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM PST
    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 “The Diamond Sutra and The Sutra of Hui-neng” translated by A. F. Price & Wong Mou-lam.
  • 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.
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