Ringing in the New Year @ SMZC, Tuesday Dec 31

Ringing in the New Year - Welcoming 2020 Year of the Rat

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. After a short zazen to close the year, at exactly midnight, we will ring SMZC's great bell 108 times to welcome the New Year of the Rat – everyone will get a chance to ring the bell.  Bring a small piece of paper inscribed with any Karmic hindrances you wish to burn away during the ceremony.  Refreshments offered following the ceremony. Tuesday, December 31, from 10:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.


Calendar | Sonoma Mountain Zen Center • Contact office@smzc.org

December 2 - 7: Shakyamuni Buddha's Enlightenment Sesshin & Sunrise Ceremony - Memorial for Shunryu Suzuki-roshi

December 2 - December 7

Shakyamuni Buddha's Enlightenment Sesshin
December 2 - 6

A special sesshin to commemorate the anniversary of Shakyamuni Buddha's Enlightenment.  The last night of the retreat we will sit from midnight to 4:00 a.m. and conclude with a memorial procession to Shunryu Suzuki-roshi's stupa.

​For those who cannot make Rohatsu during the week, join us Friday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. for Tetsuya, “the all night sitting.” Following the all night sit, at 6 a.m., we will walk in procession down to Suzuki-roshi’s stupa for the founder’s ceremony. We will close Rohatsu with breakfast in the Sangha House. All members are encouraged to attend tetsuya and/or the founder’s ceremony.

Sunrise Ceremony - Memorial for Shunryu Suzuki-roshi
December 7

On Saturday December 7th at 6:00 a.m. we will begin a memorial procession to Suzuki-roshi’s Memorial Stupa from the zendo.  We express our gratitude, offer incense, ladle water, and recite the Great Compassionate Dharani as we witness the sunrise over the Valley of the Moon. Open to the public.  Informal breakfast follows at 7:30 a.m. $20 donation appreciated.


Calendar | Sonoma Mountain Zen Center • Contact office@smzc.org

Introduction to Zen Workshop: Returning to Forms and Rituals of Everyday Life

An introduction to the basics of Zen with instructor Koten David Price

Calendar | Sonoma Mountain Zen Center • Contact office@smzc.org

Sangha Potluck: Gathering Practitioners and Community • October 26

Members as well as the public are invited to the Zen Center for a day of sharing Dharma and food together as a Sangha.  Please bring your favorite dish to share.  There will be a short period of zazen followed by a brief update on current news and the Mandala Project.  Also an opportunity for new members and anyone wishing to renew their vows to offer incense in the Zendo. 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Calendar | Sonoma Mountain Zen Center

Workfest: Manifesting Mandala

Workfest: Manifesting Mandala – This workfest we will be working in the garden, Zendo, and on the Sangha Cabin remodel. Please join us for a lively day of practicing as “one body” for the flowering of this great Mandala. Building work is joyful energy!


Calendar | Sonoma Mountain Zen Center

Join Us! SMZC Programs - July

One Day Sitting: Moment to Moment
An opportunity for beginners, as well as seasoned sitters, to experience a taste of silent retreat in a moderate schedule.– Saturday July 6 (includes Fri. overnight)

Temple Stay: Relax and Restore
Experience authentic Soto Zen Buddhism, it’s lifestyle, rituals and spirituality.  Participants can relax and rest in the restorative environment of Sonoma Mountain Zen Center's natural setting.– Fri. July 12 - Sat. July 13

Summer Ango: Practice Period 
SMZC's Summer Practice Period begins. Jesse 'Shogen' Brunette (Illuminating Source)  will take the position as Shuso (head student). He is a student of Kwong Roshi. Opening
ceremony begins Monday evening at 7:30 p.m. on 29th July (More schedule details to follow...)


Calendar | Sonoma Mountain Zen Center

Spring Programs: Together Action, Way of Tea, Birth of The Buddha

WORKFEST

SATURDAY MARCH 23  8:30 - 3:30PM

Sangha members, family and friends are invited to join us for a fun day of together-action in maintaining and supporting our beautiful temple on Sonoma Mountain - zendo cleaning, garden jumpstart, clearing away winter debris and simply enjoying a day together.

TEA WORKSHOP

SATURDAY APRIL 13th

Wabi-cha is ritualized Japanese Tea Ceremony which harmonizes the body and mind of quiet simplicity.  This program is a wonderful way to experience Zen in action through the ancient ways of tea tradition. Join us for this unique experience!

More Info

TEMPLE STAY 

APRIL 26 - 27th

Temple stay is an opportunity to experience authentic Soto Zen Buddhism, it's lifestyle, rituals and spirituality.  Take the backward step, sit down and illuminate the jewel within yourself.

More Info

BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY CEREMONY

SUNDAY APRIL 7th 1:00 - 3:00pm

We welcome everyone in commemorating the Birth of Shakyamuni Buddha on this auspicious day.  Please bring many flowers to adorn the Baby Buddha and your favorite dish to share with the community.

Calendar | Sonoma Mountain Zen Center

"Actualizing the Way" Seven-Day Sesshin • Feb 10-17, 2019

​A multi-day retreat for experienced sitters. Manifest zazen mind in an intensive schedule that includes prostrations, ten daily periods of meditation, chanting, mindful work practice, Dharma talks, and private interviews with Kwong-roshi.  Days begin at 4:45 a.m. and end at 9:00 p.m.  Begins with Sunday 6:00 p.m. oryoki dinner.


Calendar | Sonoma Mountain Zen Center