COMIMG UP: Saturday Community - Join Us On Site or Online | Fall Study Group | Next Sesshin

 

COMING UP: Saturday Community - On Site or Online

Student talk will be given by Michael Zenmen (前面) McCulloch, student of Kwong-roshi since 2018, following 10:30 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 afterwards in the Sangha House.   About the Speaker

Michael has been a part of the Pine Street Clinic since 1982. He is very interested in the medical applications of meditation practice, in particular how Zen can become a stronger part of our everyday culture. Michael received Jukai (taking of the vows to practice) from Kwong-roshi in 2019, was given the dharma name Zenmen which means “Reality Front Face,” and has attended many sesshins. He lives with his wife Michele in Point Reyes Station, California.

Attend On Site Attend Online

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

NEXT TUESDAY: Join Us for Fall Study Group (Week 4)

Tuesday, October 3 The Dharma for Taking Food (Fushukuhanpo) page 83–108 Available both in person and on zoom. Explore the fundamental teachings of Buddhism and build a foundation for daily practice through discussions on the book “Dogen’s Pure Standards for the Zen Community: A Translation of Eihei Shingi.” Register for by the week for $12/week. View Study Group Syllabus   Dogen Zenji said, “The buddha way is right under your feet.” The buddha way is not some special kind of way. It is simply the way in which you live completely. With everything you encounter, without separating self and others, become one with that thing with your whole body and mind, dealing with it most thoroughly.—from Rev. Narasaki-roshi’s foreword   Books are available for purchase at Zen Dust for $29.95 plus tax (sorry, mail order service not available).

$12/week (10-20% Member Discount: Please log in first to receive the discount.)

NEXT SESSHIN: Bodhidharma 3-Day Sesshin

Sesshin, literally “to touch the Mind,” is a period of time set aside for an intensive meditation retreat to let go of the conditioned self and resume our original nature. This special time of practice will allow us to dive into the core of Zen training. A silent meditation intensive to still the mind from moment to moment, manifesting the realization of the Way; for beginners as well as experienced practitioners. A rigorous schedule that begins at 5:00 am includes 11 periods of meditation, chanting, mindful work, and a Dharma Talk. Days end at 9pm. View Sesshin Schedule

Attend On Site Attend Online

10-20% Member Discount: Please log in first to receive the discount.

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

COMIMG UP: Saturday Community | Study Group | Fusatsu Ceremony

 

COMING UP: Saturday Community - On Site or Online

Student talk will be given by Tom Jakuryu (寂龍) Huffman, student of Kwong-roshi since 2008, following 10:30 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 afterwards in the Sangha House.   About the Speaker

Tom Jakuryu Huffman has been a student of Jakusho Kwong-roshi since 2008. During this time he has also served as one of Genjo-Ji's Land Stewards, doing brush clearing in the fall and winter and weedwhacking in the spring and summer, and in the process has become very attached to this sacred 80 acres of land on Sonoma Mountain. Both Jakuryu and the land are well aware that it is the land that really stewards him. He remains grateful and honored to be a student of Kwong-roshi who continues to clarify the lifetime practice of dropping off body and mind.

Attend On Site Attend Online

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

NEXT TUESDAY: Join Us for Fall Study Group (Week 3)

Tuesday, September 26 The Model for Engaging the Way (Bendoho) page 63–81 Available both in person and on zoom. Explore the fundamental teachings of Buddhism and build a foundation for daily practice through discussions on the book “Dogen’s Pure Standards for the Zen Community: A Translation of Eihei Shingi.” Register for by the week for $12/week. View Study Group Syllabus   Books are available for purchase at Zen Dust for $29.95 plus tax (sorry, mail order service not available).

$12/week (10-20% Member Discount: Please log in first to receive the discount.)

THIS MONTH: September Fusatsu Ceremony

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 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.)

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