SMZC Upcoming Events - Join Us On Site or Online

 

THIS WEEK: Join Us for Saturday Community

Senior student talk will be given by Koten (孤天) David Price, senior student of Kwong-roshi and ordained priest, following 10:30 am zazen. Before attending each Saturday Community, please donate $10 (suggested minimum) to sustain our Dharma practice.   About the 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. 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.

To sustain SMZC, please donate $10 (suggested minimum) before attending each Saturday Community program. Thank you for your ongoing support!

Announcing New Saturday Community Program Fee As President of Sonoma Mountain Zen Center over the years, I have learned firsthand the challenge we face year in and year out to financially sustain our temple, its programs and Zen practice. We all treasure our Saturday Community Program and realize its value to the Sangha and wider community. As a result, we have resisted requiring a fee for the program for many years by simply requesting donations instead. Now, in the interest of maintaining it into the long-term future, the Board of Trustees recently approved a modest fee of $15 for both onsite and online participation in this program beginning January 2023. Through the online registration process via SMZC website, participating Sangha members will receive the standard discount associated with their membership level.   Between now and January we welcome any feedback you may wish to share concerning this change. You can respond by sending an email to office@smzc.org or call the office directly.   In Gassho,

Tensan Chuck Ramey, President Sonoma Mountain Zen Center

No Zazen on following dates this month

Wednesday, November 23 Thursday, November 24 Friday, November 25 No evening Zazen No Zazen all day (Thanksgiving Day) No morning Zazen

Sesshin (接心), literally “to touch the Mind,” is a period of time set aside for an intensive meditation retreat to let go of the conditioned self in order to resume our original nature. This sesshin is a special time of practice that will allow us to dive into the core of Zen training. A silent meditation intensive for experienced sitters to still the mind from moment to moment manifesting the realization of the Way.   Each day, the schedule begins at 5:00 am and includes 10 periods of meditation, chanting, mindful work at home, and private interviews with teachers upon request and ends at 9:00 pm. The retreat begins at 7:30 pm. Monday and ends at 4:00 a.m. Saturday. You are welcome to attend partially if you cannot attend the entire retreat due to work commitments. 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.   ON SITE: $85/night & up / ONLINE: $200 (or $40/day)   ON SITE Tetsuya: $50 admission / ONLINE Tetsuya: $25 admission

10-20% discount for SMZC Wisteria Wind Sangha members Join Now

It takes many volunteers to move the Dharma Mountain that is inexplicably wordless, wide, great and bottomless.

Become a part of this Mountain building and journey by volunteering. Get involved today!   ZenDust Store Assistant(s) We are looking for a couple of volunteers: Ordering T-shirts: Get a couple of quotes from local screen printers, etc. Making Zafus & Zabutons: Stuff and sew zafus and zabutons. Training will be provided.   Contact Janet Myoho (妙法) at janet@smzc.org to offer your help.

Join SMZC Wisteria Wind Sangha Today SMZC is a lay residential training practice center, relying on membership dues, income from our programs, and your contributions to support and maintain the Dharma on this ancient mountain. Please consider joining SMZC Wisteria Wind Sangha today. Your generosity makes it possible for us to survive and serve. Visit our website for a detailed list of membership benefits.

JOIN NOW

Support SMZC by using AmazonSmile for your online purchases.... AmazonSmile is available at smile.amazon.com on your web browser and can be activated in the Amazon Shopping app for iOS and Android phones at no cost to you. When you shop AmazonSmile, 0.5% of your eligible purchases will be donated to Sonoma Mountain Zen Center.

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