Thursday, May 9, 2024

COMING UP: Saturday Community Talk by Shindo Souza - Join Us On Site or Online

 

 

COMING UP: Saturday Community Talk - On Site or Online

Student talk will be given by Shindo (心土) Kevin Souza, a senior student of Kwong-roshi, 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 (8:50 am check-in at the Sangha House).

  • If you live within driving distance, please register to attend on site!

  • Informal vegetarian lunch will be provided afterwards in the Sangha House.

  • Zen Dust store will be open from 12:30 to 1:30 pm.

 

About Speaker

Shindo started practicing in Phoenix AZ in 2007 right around the time his son was born. He was at a point in his life where he had to make significant changes in order to be the father his son deserved. In 2008 he moved to Carson City to be closer to his son where he led a sitting group on Thursday nights. He would travel back and forth from Carson to SMZC to practice on weekends whenever he got a chance. He received Jukai from Kwong-roshi in 2009 and was given the dharma name Shindo which means “Mind/Ground.” He served as Shuso (head student) for the Summer Ango in 2021 and was ordained in 2023. He currently lives in Berkeley, CA with his wife and 17-year-old son and works full time. He loves spending his free time outdoors in the mountains backpacking in the summer and skiing in the winter.

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

NEXT SATURDAY: Spring Sangha Gathering & Potluck

The Intimacy of the Relative & Absolute—Buddha, Dharma & Sangha

Fostering a Sense of Belonging. We are hosting an informal get together for Sonoma Mountain Zen Center's sangha members. This is an opportunity for members to connect, give feedback and hear about SMZC's direction and plans for the future. We would love to see and hear from you. Bring a good dish to share & your family and friends too!

Please bring your favorite dish (for 6-8 people) to share with everyone!

LATER THIS MONTH: Kids Community Overnight

Join us for a delightful campout under the stars starting on Friday afternoon. We'll begin with setting up tents and informal vegetarian dinner. After an orientation in the zendo, we'll have a short zazen and service, ending the night with s'mores roast out under the stars. Saturday morning includes kids friendly program: another short zazen and service, followed by buffet breakfast. Then head out and hike together to the stupas.

Register by the end of Wednesday, May 29:

$40 admission/person (Please book per family—parent(s) and kids together. For example, enter 2 qty for 1 parent and 1 child.)

 

  • What to Bring: Tent, pillows, sleeping bags, and blankets

  • Attire: Dress in layers; bring plenty of warm clothes for warmth and comfort.

Trungpa Rinpoche's Stupa

Suzuki-roshi's Stupa

$40/person* | View Schedule | Open to the Public

*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

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

COMING UP: 'Entering the Gate' 1-Day Sitting - Join Us On Site or Online

 

 

COMING UP: 'Entering the Gate' 1-Day Sitting

This retreat is an introduction to Zen training and an opportunity for beginners and experienced sitters to plunge into the heart of Zen practice. Retreatants will experience a moderate schedule of zazen (eight periods of sitting meditation), kinhin (walking meditation), samu (work practice), oryoki (formal meals) and sutra chanting - good for both beginners and experienced sitters. Please wear warm, loose, and subdued clothing for zazen. Also, bring work clothes for outdoor work and an alarm clock.

 

Check-in between 5:00pm and 6:00pm on Friday. This one day retreat includes a 6pm Friday evening dinner and an overnight stay. Oryoki instructions will follow the evening dinner at 6:40pm. (View 1-day Sitting Schedule)

 

Onsite day practice option is also available without overnight stay ($85/day for day practice).

$85-160/night (10-20% Member Discount: Please log in first to receive the discount.)

NEXT WEEK: Saturday Community Talk - On Site or Online

Student talk will be given by Shindo (心土) Kevin Souza, a senior student of Kwong-roshi, 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 (8:50 am check-in at the Sangha House).

  • If you live within driving distance, please register to attend on site!

  • Informal vegetarian lunch will be provided afterwards in the Sangha House.

  • Zen Dust store will be open from 12:30 to 1:30 pm.

 

About Speaker

Shindo started practicing in Phoenix AZ in 2007 right around the time his son was born. He was at a point in his life where he had to make significant changes in order to be the father his son deserved. In 2008 he moved to Carson City to be closer to his son where he led a sitting group on Thursday nights. He would travel back and forth from Carson to SMZC to practice on weekends whenever he got a chance. He received Jukai from Kwong-roshi in 2009 and was given the dharma name Shindo which means “Mind/Ground.” He served as Shuso (head student) for the Summer Ango in 2021 and was ordained in 2023. He currently lives in Berkeley, CA with his wife and 17-year-old son and works full time. He loves spending his free time outdoors in the mountains backpacking in the summer and skiing in the winter.

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

THIS MONTH: Spring Sangha Gathering & Potluck

The Intimacy of the Relative & Absolute—Buddha, Dharma & Sangha

Fostering a Sense of Belonging. We are hosting an informal get together for Sonoma Mountain Zen Center's sangha members. This is an opportunity for members to connect, give feedback and hear about SMZC's direction and plans for the future. We would love to see and hear from you. Bring a good dish to share & your family and friends too!

Please bring your favorite dish (for 6-8 people) to share with everyone!

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