Sonoma Mountain Zen Center

12/29/2025

Jan 02, 2026, 7:30 PM PST – Jan 03, 2026, 5:00 PM PST
New Year's 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. RSVP and we will contact you to complete your registration. Register at https://www.smzc.org/events-1/new-years-entering-the-gate-1-day-sitting-on-site-in-zendo-2026-01-02-19-30

12/18/2025

Wed, Dec 31 | Zendo & Sangha House
Ringing in the New Year: Welcoming 2026 Year of the Fire Horse

A wonderful chance to get together and renew our commitment to practice for the New Year. Join the community for traditional informal noodles in the Sangha House. At exactly midnight following a short period of zazen to close the year, everyone will get a chance to ring SMZC's great bell 108 times to welcome in the New Year. Bring a small piece of paper inscribed with any Karmic hindrances you wish to burn away during the ceremony. Refreshments offered following the ceremony.

Register at https://www.smzc.org/events-1/ringing-in-the-new-year-welcoming-2026-year-of-the-fire-horse-on-site-in-zendo

12/05/2025

Sat, Dec 06 | Stupa & Sangha House
Founder's Sunrise Ceremony & Breakfast

Sangha members, families and friends are invited to attend our annual Founder's Sunrise Ceremony at 6:00am. By donation. Register at https://www.smzc.org/events-1/founders-sunrise-ceremony-on-site-3

12/02/2025

Dear Members and Friends of Sonoma Mountain Zen Center,

We bow in deep gratitude; thank you for being part of Sonoma Mountain Zen Center through your practice, volunteering, participation, or for financially supporting us. Together, we sustain this precious container of practice of the Way and help preserve the Buddha’s wisdom far into the future. This year has been one of rejuvenation and deep appreciation for our SMZC sangha extending to the larger maha-community, and none of it was possible without you!

Please make your donation to SMZC’s Annual Fund today at https://givebutter.com/Tdy0fr

11/20/2025

Nov 22, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PST

Saturday Community Talk by Tom 'Jakuryu' Huffman, following 10:30 am zazen. Open to the public. Register to attend on site at https://www.smzc.org/events-1/saturday-community-talk-by-tom-jakuryu-huffman-on-site-in-zendo-2025-11-22-10-30

11/18/2025

Jukai (To Receive The Precepts) Ceremony was held on Saturday, November 15 for Megan Backus, Russell Bradley, Belinda Burnside, Ejo Kwong, and Andrew Penners. View the ceremony photos at

Shared album · Tap to view!

09/27/2025

Sep 30, 2025, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM PDT
Fall Study Group - ON SITE or ONLINE

Explore the fundamental teachings of Buddhism and build a foundation for daily practice through discussions on the book “The Roots of Goodness: Zen Master Dogen’s Teaching on the Eight Qualities of a Great Person” commentary by Kosho Uchiyama Roshi, translated by Daistu Tom Wright.

Register to attend all 8 weeks at https://www.smzc.org/events-1/fall-study-group-on-site-or-online-all-class-pass-for-8-weeks-3
Register to attend week 1 at https://www.smzc.org/events-1/fall-study-group-on-site-or-online-week-1-of-8-only-2025-09-30-19-30

09/26/2025

Oct 25, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
Sonoma Mandala Coming Alive: Zen Conversations for a New Era

A special conversation between Nyoze-osho, Abbot of Sonoma Mountain Zen Center and Jakusho Kwong-roshi, Wisdom Holder and Founder of SMZC. Conversation will be moderated by special guest Peter Coyote. Special lunch to follow afterwards. Free admission. RSVP at https://www.smzc.org/events-1/sonoma-mandala-coming-alive-zen-conversations-for-a-new-era-on-site-in-zendo-2025-10-25-10-00

09/25/2025

Sep 27, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
Saturday Community Talk by Ron Berger

Talk will be given by Ron Berger, following 10:30 am zazen. Open to the public. Register to attend on site at https://www.smzc.org/events-1/saturday-community-talk-by-ron-berger-on-site-in-zendo-2025-09-27-10-30

09/19/2025

Sep 20, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
Saturday Community Talk by Kashin Kwong

Talk will be given by Kashin (花真) Kwong, following 10:30 am zazen. Open to the public. Register to attend on site at https://www.smzc.org/events-1/saturday-community-talk-by-kashin-kwong-on-site-in-zendo-2025-09-20-10-30

09/12/2025

Sep 28, 2025, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM PDT
Fall Workfest

It's time for together-action as one body. We will be working on fall zendo winterization, garden fence replacement, and fall garden cleanup. Garden gloves will be provided , but please bring a pair of garden gloves if you have one. Bring family and friends: Any amount of help you can offer will be greatly appreciated. Vegetarian lunch at 12 noon will be provided. All are welcome! RSVP at https://www.smzc.org/events-1/fall-workfest-2025-09-28-08-30

09/11/2025

Sep 13, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
Saturday Community (Talk by Shindo Kevin Souza)

Talk will be given by Shindo (心土) Kevin Souza, following 10:30 am zazen. Open to the public. Register to attend on site at https://www.smzc.org/events-1/saturday-community-talk-by-shindo-kevin-souza-on-site-in-zendo-2025-09-13-10-30