COMIMG UP: Sangha Gathering & Potluck - Join Us On Site or Online

 

THIS SATURDAY: Fall Sangha Gathering & Potluck

Sharing Shinsanshiki Celebration Memories with Sangha: We are hosting an informal get together for Sonoma Mountain Zen Center's sangha members. This is an opportunity for members to connect and watch videos and photos from Shinsanshiki (Mountain Seat Ceremony). We would love to see all the members and especially those who could not attend the ceremony!   Read the Press Democrat newspaper article about the Shinsanshiki: ‘Watershed moment’ as new leader takes reins at Sonoma Mountain Zen Center The center in Santa Rosa welcomed a new abbot for the first time since it was founded in 1973.

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Sangha Potluck: Please bring your favorite dish (for 6-8 people) to share with everyone.

THIS MONTH: September 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 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.)

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