COMIMG UP: Summer Ango Opening Ceremony & More - Join Us On Site or Online

 

COMING UP: Summer Ango Opening Ceremony

Join us for Summer Ango Opening Ceremony with Shuso Brynjar Shoshin (初心) Kristinsson, following 10:30-11:00 am zazen. Open to the public.   There will be no meditation instruction from 9:00 to 10:00 am during the ango. If you live within driving distance, please register to attend on site. Informal vegetarian lunch will be provided at noon in Sangha House.   About Shuso

Brynjar Shoshin Kristinsson first attended a introductory course at Nátthagi Zen Center in Iceland in 2013. He received Jukai from Kwong-roshi in 2016 and was given the Dharma name Shoshin, beginners mind. Shoshin has served the Icelandic Sangha in various practice positions and been a member of the board of directors. He has also translated Kwong-roshi's book No Beginning, No End: The Intimate Heart of Zen into Icelandic. Brynjar works and studies as a carpenter and lives with his partner and their two daughters in Reykjavik, where they divide their time between the city and their cottage by a small pond.

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

FRIDAY EVENING: 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.

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

SATURDAY AFTERNOON: Bodhisattva Monk Ordination

Shukke Tokudo Ceremony – "Leaving Home and Entering the Way" Please join us for our Bodhisattva Monk’s Ordination Ceremony (Shukke Tokudo). Brynjar Shoshin (初心) Kristinsson and Craig Sanmon (山門) Stepanek will publicly make their commitment in “Leaving Family Life” to transcend the values of secular life and to assume the forms of a Buddhist Monk. “Leaving Family Life” is to leave home and let go of all your secular conditions and begin anew.  Students will publicly acknowledge and deepen their commitment to their Buddhist path and to continue as a life-long practice not only for themselves but to benefit all sentient beings. Ceremony includes the presentation of monks robes and bowls, receiving O’kesa (Buddha’s Robe) and confirmation of the lifeblood of the Buddha’s and Patriarchs'.   Free admission: Please bring celebratory snacks/finger food (e.g., cake, pie, cookies, crackers/cheese, fruit and drinks) for reception.

Brynjar Shoshin (初心) Kristinsson first attended a introductory course at Nátthagi Zen Center in Iceland in 2013. He received Jukai from Kwong-roshi in 2016 and was given the Dharma name Shoshin, beginners mind. Shoshin has served the Icelandic Sangha in various practice positions and been a member of the board of directors. He has also translated Kwong-roshi's book No Beginning, No End: The Intimate Heart of Zen into Icelandic. Brynjar works and studies as a carpenter and lives with his partner and their two daughters in Reykjavik, where they divide their time between the city and their cottage by a small pond. Craig Sanmon (山門) Stepanek was born in 1960 and grew up in San Jose, CA. Craig received Jukai (Mountain Gate) from Kwong-roshi in 1991. He spent nearly five years as a resident before meeting his future wife and leaving residency to raise his family. After more than 25 years working as a landscape/gardening contractor and growing his family, he has returned to living full time as a resident. He looks forward to helping actualize the Mandala Project and contribute to maintaining the spirit of strong life at the heart of SMZC’s Samgha. He enjoys sailing and gardening when time permits.

Open to the public ON SITE or ONLINE | Donations are greatly appreciated.

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