🏔 COMING UP: Join us for Saturday Community Talk by Tokan Craig Stepanek 🏔

 

COMING UP: Talk by Tokan Craig Stepanek

Talk will be given by Tokan (当観) Craig Stepanek, a senior student of Kwong-roshi and SMZC resident, following 10:30 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

Tokan worked as a nuclear engineer in the Navy for six years, studied at California State University, Stanislaus, and worked with Mother Teresa's organization in Calcutta while traveling around India one summer. There, he met Fr. Bede Griffiths at his Benedictine monastery. These experiences led him to search for the enlivened community of simplicity, harmony, and well-being he had experienced in India. He had a chance encounter with the Rev. Joan Halifax who pointed him to Jakusho Kwong-roshi. Within a month, he was living at SMZC as a resident. He received Jukai from Kwong-roshi in 1991 and spent nearly five years as a resident before meeting his future wife. After more than 25 years working as a landscape/gardening contractor and raising his family, he has returned as a resident, was ordained in 2023, and served as Shuso (Head Student) in 2024 leading the 30-day intensive practice period, giving talks, providing interviews and guiding students through the daily schedule. He enjoys sailing and gardening when time permits.

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

$15 admission (10-20% Member Discount: Please log in first to receive the discount.)

NEXT WEEK: Buddha's Birthday 3-Day Sesshin

Sesshin, literally “to touch the Mind,” is a period of time set aside for an intensive meditation retreat to let go of the conditioned self and resume our original nature. This special time of practice will allow us to dive into the core of Zen training in the spirit of Shakyamuni’s Birth. A silent meditation intensive for beginners, as well as experienced practitioners, to still the mind from moment to moment, manifesting the realization of the Way. A rigorous schedule that begins at 5:00 am includes 10 periods of meditation, chanting, mindful work, and a Dharma Talk. Days end at 9pm.   Retreat begins Wednesday, April 2 at 6pm and ends Saturday, April 5 at 3:30 pm. Following the retreat, on Sunday, April 6, we will celebrate Buddha’s birth by showering the Baby Buddha with sweet rain. Everyone is invited by RSVP for the ceremony and potluck!   Please wear warm, loose, and subdued clothing for zazen. A zafu (meditation cushion) or chair will be provided.   Onsite day practice option is also available without overnight stay for $85 (5 am to 5 pm).

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

$85-160/night (10-20% Member Discount: Please log in first to receive the discount.)

NEXT SUNDAY: Buddha's Birth Ceremony

Families, friends and children will gather in the zendo to commemorate the birth of Shakyamuni Buddha in a Flower Festival and the traditional pouring of sweet rain over the baby Buddha. Following this ceremony will be an outdoor reception. Everyone is asked to bring flowers to offer in the zendo and to bring finger-type hors d'oeuvres, ready-to-serve on platters for the reception. Our entire Sangha will be the host of this event. Open to the public. Ceremony: 1pm / Outdoor Reception: 2-4pm

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

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

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