Saturday Community - Join Us On Site or Online

 

COMING UP: Saturday Community - On Site or Online

Dharma talk will be given by Nyoze Kwong, vice abbot of SMZC, 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. If you live within driving distance, please register to attend on site. Informal vegetarian lunch will be provided at noon in Sangha House.   About the Speaker

Nyoze received a degree in Anthropology from UC Santa Cruz. He worked as a fundraiser in Stanford University’s Engineering Department. Nyoze has a background in Socially Engaged Buddhism and has trained with well-respected teachers in Japan and United States and has over 30 years of meditation experience. In 2012 he finished his formal Zen training at Eiheiji, oldest monastery and head temple of the Soto Zen School in Japan. In 2015 he was certified and recognized by Sotoshu as a Zen teacher in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki-roshi. Currently Nyoze serves as Vice Abbot (the head of meditation practice) and Executive Director of Sonoma Mountain Zen Center. He lives at Sonoma Mountain Zen Center with his wife Kashin and his son Ejo.

Attend On Site Attend Online

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

NEXT MONTH: August Fusatsu Ceremony

Partake in the Traditional Soto Zen Ritual 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

Reflection of the June Fusatsu Ceremony by Shannon Rossiter (Member since May 2023)   As in the major religions (Muslim, Jewish, and Christian) and in Native American spiritual ceremonies to name a few, there is what is called the act of atonement. To reconcile—to restore harmony, balance. Fusatsu is an ancient Zen Buddhist ceremony of atonement, purification, and renewal of vows. I had the privilege on this past June full moon to participate in this ceremony at Sonoma Mountain Zen Center. Performing a full moon ritual, I have read, can be a powerful way to release what no longer serves us and to make room for new beginnings. In this situation, beginning to me means the origin, source—not something new but has always been. During this ceremony, I found such joy, peace, and connectedness with all sentient beings renewing my vows and commitment to continue a good practice to stop harmful karma. The Zendo is a beautiful space with others to experience this profound work. I invite all to participate in this beautiful monthly ceremony.

Attend On Site Attend Online

By Donation (Please support SMZC to sustain our practice on the mountain.)

WANTED: Applicants for Resident Training Program

Two Resident Training Positions Available for Gardener & Guest Person Sonoma Mountain Zen Center is currently seeking to fill two open Resident Training positions: Head Gardener and Guest Person (Shika). Students with a serious interest in Zen training can apply to live as a resident at the center under the guidance of Abbot Jakusho Kwong-roshi and Vice Abbot Nyoze Kwong.

Residents are fully incorporated into our community and as such, participate fully in our daily zazen schedule, work practice, retreats, and all other activities that support the maintenance of the zen center. Monthly fees for these two positions will be waived upon successful completion of a 3-month probationary period by selected applicants. This is a rare and unique opportunity to experience the very heart of Zen training! Please submit your interest by filling out the resident application form and return it to office@smzc.org. Cover Letter Application Guidelines Daily Schedule

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