✉️ MESSAGE TO YOU: Dedicate Your Practice to Shakyamuni Buddha's Enlightenment This Week

 

Message from Abbot Nyoze Kwong on Rohatsu

On Sonoma Mountain we are on our rohatsu sesshin with a small strong group of 13; sitting zazen, working, eating and sleeping returning to no-sound of the universe which is the most fundamental source of the universe. This week of practice is dedicated to Shakyamuni Buddha’s Enlightenment. Zazen(self-receiving/transmitting samadhi), sitting down, refraining from, non-doing is the greatest treasure handed to us by Shakyamuni Buddha addressing freedom from our greed, anger and ignorance, thus leading to liberation. What can be more important in this lifetime! I urge Sonoma Mountain Sangha to dedicated your practice this week to repay and return these blessings to Shakyamuni Buddha. This is a treasure handed to you but you are the only one who can activate it on the Spot. You can participate in the following way:   Show up for Tetsuya all night sit. Show up for the founder’s ceremony, start with 5:15am zazen then procession to Shunryu Suzuki-roshi’s Stupa, end with sangha gathering over breakfast. If you are not local or physically unable to attend, sit zazen at home and dedicate this week in the Spirit of Shakyamuni Buddha’s Enlightenment. May our practice penetrate into all things creating infinite peace in this world we live in today!

TOMORROW: Tetsuya & Founder's Sunrise Ceremony

All sangha members are urged to attend the Founder's Sunrise Ceremony at 6:00 am and join for breakfast by donation. 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. Open to the public. View Schedule

Attend On Site Attend Online

Procession Photo by Angus 'Choan' Atwell

$25 admission (10-20% Member Discount: Log in first to receive the discount.)

THIS SATURDAY: Founder's Sunrise Ceremony & Breakfast

Sangha members, families and friends will meet in front of the upper parking lot near the Sangha House. Procession to our founder Shunryu Suzuki-roshi's stupa will begin at 6:00am. Please dress in layers for cold weather. Early risers are encouraged to sit zazen in the zendo at 5:15 am (optional). Warm breakfast will be provided after the ceremony in the Sangha House. All are welcome!

Sunrise Photo by Shannon Rossiter

By Donation ($15 suggested)

COMING UP: Ringing in the New Year - ON SITE

A wonderful chance to get together and renew our commitment to practice for the New Year. Join the community for traditional informal noodles in the Sangha House. At exactly midnight following a short period of zazen to close the year, everyone will get a chance to ring SMZC's great bell 108 times to welcome in the Year of the Snake. Bring a small piece of paper inscribed with any Karmic hindrances you wish to burn away during the ceremony. Refreshments will be offered following the ceremony. View Schedule

$25 admission (10-20% Member Discount: Please log in first to receive the discount.)

In order to continue to offer these programs and ensure the future of SMZC, we are asking for your support. Your donation is tax deductible. Sonoma Mountain Zen Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Tax ID #23-7304793

6367 Sonoma Mountain Road, Santa Rosa, CA, 95404 (707) 545-8105 Share on social www.smzc.org