📹 COMING UP: Saturday Community Slideshow by Koten & Kids/Youth Community Monthly 📹

 

THIS SATURDAY: Kotaiji Slideshow & Talk by Koten

Talk will be given by Koten (孤天) David Price, senior student of Kwong-roshi, following 10:30-11:00 am zazen. He will be giving a slideshow of his training at Kotaiji. Open to the public.

For those who are new to Zen or need a refresher, please register for meditation instruction from 9:00 to 10:00 am (8:50 am check-in at the Sangha House). If you live within driving distance, please register to attend on site! Informal vegetarian lunch will be provided afterwards in the Sangha House. Zen Dust Store will be open from 12:30 to 1:30 pm.   About Speaker

Koten began formally practicing Zen at Sonoma Mountain Zen Center where he has lived as a student since 2006. During his residency he has served on the SMZC advisory board as Resident Representative, held the position of Tenzo (Head Cook) and Shissui (Work Leader). Koten received Jukai from Jakusho Kwong-roshi in 2007 and was ordained as a Buddhist Priest in 2012. He has also served as Shuso (Head Student) leading the 30-day intensive practice period in the winter of 2013, giving talks, providing interviews and guiding students through the daily schedule. In February, 2025, Koten finished his 3-month training at Kotaiji in Nagasaki, Japan (Kotaiji in English). Before coming to Genjo-ji, he spent 20 years as a professional cook and chef working in resorts and restaurants from Hawaii to Philadelphia. Koten is a sportsman and enjoys hiking all throughout the Sonoma County and the North Bay.

Attend On Site (in Zendo) Attend Online (on Zoom)

$15 admission (Members: Please log in first to receive your discount.)

THIS SATURDAY: Kids & Youth Community Monthly

Kids Community Monthly Children ages 1-7 are welcome to spend a fun-filled morning at the Zen Center offering parents the opportunity to enjoy meditation and dharma/student talk. Together we will explore the surroundings of the Zen Center. Please register all attending kid(s) and accompanying parent(s) and meet at the Sangha House.   Youth Community Monthly: Making Friendship Bracelets Join us for a morning of mindfulness and discovery at the Zen Center, designed for youth ages 8–18. While parents participate in meditation and Dharma talk, children and teens will engage in fun, age-appropriate activities that foster creativity, reflection, and connection with nature.   Please indicate if your child or teen plans to stay for lunch (included in the fee). Plan to meet at the Sangha House at 10am.

Kids Community Monthly Host: Kristin Misan (未散) Nichols is a German born Zen practitioner and began her studies in 2016 while living in Zurich, Switzerland. Shortly thereafter she moved to Sonoma Mountain Zen Center as a resident, studying Zen under Jakusho Kwong-roshi for one year. Her stay resulted in big life changes which included a permanent move to Sebastopol, marriage, the birth of two children, and a change in her career path from engineering to architectural design. Her children are now 1 and 4 years old. Kristin pursues her architectural license working for MAD Architecture in Petaluma, and she and her husband are renovating their family home according to the most stringent environmental standards.

Youth Community Monthly Host: Alex work with kids professionally and is excited to share her talent and expertise with the youth in our community. She is a mother of two children and lives in Walnut Creek, CA.

Attend Kids Community Attend Youth Community

$15 admission (Members: Please log in first to receive your 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

🌷 Join Us Next Week for Temple Stay and Saturday Community Talk by Koten 🌷

 

JOIN US NEXT FRIDAY: Spring Temple Stay

During a temple stay, visitors can rest in the calm, restorative environment of Sonoma Mountain Zen Center. A stay at our center is a unique retreat into a spiritual sanctuary surrounded by natural beauty. We are located in the heart of Sonoma County, overlooking the Valley of the Moon on the northern slope of Sonoma Mountain. This rural setting is filled with redwood forests, oak groves, and sweeping vistas.

During your stay, you can join in the meditation periods, services, and communal meals of our daily temple life or spend time alone reading, writing, or hiking. In addition to walking trails on our grounds, North Slope Regional Park and Jack London State Park are a close driving distance from the center. This special program includes oryoki instruction and meditation instruction. View Temple Stay Schedule.

SIGN UP

NEXT WEEK: Saturday Community Talk by Koten

Talk will be given by Koten (孤天) David Price, senior student of Kwong-roshi, following 10:30-11:00 am zazen. Open to the public.   For those who are new to Zen or need a refresher, please register for meditation instruction from 9:00 to 10:00 am (8:50 am check-in at the Sangha House). If you live within driving distance, please register to attend on site! Informal vegetarian lunch will be provided afterwards in the Sangha House. Zen Dust Store will be open from 12:30 to 1:30 pm.   About Speaker

Koten began formally practicing Zen at Sonoma Mountain Zen Center where he has lived as a student since 2006. During his residency he has served on the SMZC advisory board as Resident Representative, held the position of Tenzo (Head Cook) and Shissui (Work Leader). Koten received Jukai from Jakusho Kwong-roshi in 2007 and was ordained as a Buddhist Priest in 2012. He has also served as Shuso (Head Student) leading the 30-day intensive practice period in the winter of 2013, giving talks, providing interviews and guiding students through the daily schedule. In February, 2025, Koten finished his 3-month training at Kotaiji in Nagasaki, Japan (Kotaiji in English). Before coming to Genjo-ji, he spent 20 years as a professional cook and chef working in resorts and restaurants from Hawaii to Philadelphia. Koten is a sportsman and enjoys hiking all throughout the Sonoma County and the North Bay.

Attend On Site (in Zendo) Attend Online (on Zoom)

$15 admission (Members: Please log in first to receive your discount.)

NEXT FRIDAY: March Fusatsu Ceremony

Atonement Ceremony is a Buddhadharma training—Blessing from the teacher and a ritual of chanting, bowing, purification, and renewal of vows/direction. Traditionally practiced on the full moon, Fusatsu is one of the most beautiful and profound ceremonies in the Zen tradition. Together, we acknowledge our karmic entanglements and hindrances, at-one for the beginningless greed, anger, and ignorance—restoring harmony and happiness.   7:30 - 8:00pm Zazen 8:00 - 9:00pm Service

Attend On Site (in Zendo) Attend Online (on Zoom)

Donations are appreciated. Open to YOU!

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