Friday, July 20, 2012

Annual Mandala Bazaar - September 1, 2012


SONOMA MOUNTAIN ZEN CENTER
TO HOLD THIRD ANNUAL MANDALA BAZAAR -

Sonoma County Taiko at Sonoma Mandala Bazaar 2011




On Saturday, September 1, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sonoma Mountain Zen Center, 6367 Sonoma Mountain Road, Santa Rosa, will host its Third Annual Mandala Bazaar on the Mountain in support of its project to construct a new meditation hall. Admission is free.





The event, which in the past has drawn enthusiastic crowds, features a diverse group of regional artisans and craftspeople offering woodwork and sculptures, Japanese style kimonos, mixed media and fiber art, ceramics, handmade jewelry, ethnic artifacts, bamboo flower vases, and more.

Performing during the day will be the Sonoma County Taiko drummers (11:00 - 11:30, 1:30 - 2:30); Soei Mouri Sensei leading a classic Zen Tea Ceremony (11:30 - 12:20, 1:30 - 2:30, 3:00 - 4:00); Elliot Kallen playing unique music for shakuhachi flute, Naoko on shamisen and koto strings (all day); Aikido demonstrators Kuma Kai of Sebastopol (12:00 -- 12:45) and New School Aikido of Santa Rosa (2:45 - 3:30); and Zen Kyudo archers enacting "The Way of the Bow" (11:30 - 12:00, 3:3pdf0 - 4:00).


Calligraphy by Kwong-roshi
 (2010 Mandala Bazaar)
Highlighting the Bazaar will be a treasure-filled raffle featuring a framed original calligraphy by SMZC's renowned Abbot, Jakusho Kwong-roshi, as well as visits to the Cottage Inn & Spa, Osmosis Spa, Hana Japanese Restaurant, The Links at Bodega Harbor, Sonoma Mountain Zen Center, Quarry Hill Botanical Garden, and more. Tickets at $5 each can be obtained online at www.smzc.net, by email at MandalaRaffle@smzc.net, from individual Zen Center members, or by calling (707) 545-8105. (Drawing for secondary prizes at 12:45 - 1:00; for Grand Prize at 4:00)

This third Mandala Bazaar offers an opportunity to see a variety of live performances, attend a Japanese tea ceremony performed by a master, view a wide variety of selected arts and crafts, and socialize among friends and family under the oaks on beautiful Sonoma Mountain. Sumptuous bento box lunches, assortments of delicious sweets, baked goods and refreshing drinks will also be offered for sale for visitors' enjoyment.

If you're interested in art, Zen or a unique experience, SMZC's annual bazaar has something special for you!
visit the Mandala Bazaar online



Elliot Kallen
Naoko



The Zen Center will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of its new Meditation Hall on Sunday September 16 at 10 a.m. Inspired by both American and Japanese influences, this hall will provide a superbly designed space to continue authentic Soto Zen practice in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki-roshi for many years to come.

Sonoma Mountain Zen Center, founded in 1973 by Jakusho Kwongroshi and Shinko Kwong, is esteemed for its natural tranquility, in which people from all backgrounds can realize their basic goodness through Zen Buddhist practice. The Zen Center has members from throughout the United States and Canada, and from affiliate centers in Poland and Iceland.


Sonoma Mountain Zen Center
6367 Sonoma Mountain Rd.
Santa Rosa, CA, 95404

Press contact: SMZC office (707) 545-8105