Sonoma Mountain Zen Center

02/10/2026

Sat, Feb 14, 3pm | Petaluma Historic Chinatown Park
Community Incense Offering Ceremony to Mark Lunar New Year at Petaluma Historic Chinatown Park

The Petaluma Historic Chinatown Park Committee, in partnership with Sonoma Mountain Zen Center, will host a public incense offering ceremony on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at Historic Chinatown Park. The event is free and open to the public.

02/03/2026

Feb 07, 2026, 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM PST
Sanmon Mountain Gate Groundbreaking Ceremony & Small Plate Potluck Reception with Shuso Talk

Exciting news for the Sonoma Mountain Mandala! We’ve just learned that construction of the Sanmon Mountain Gate is set to begin soon. Responding with immediacy, we’ll hold a special Groundbreaking Ceremony to activate the Gate. Please join us—your participation contributes to the activating energy of the Mandala. Register at https://tinyurl.com/na833khy

01/26/2026

“To study the Way is to study the self.
To study the self is to forget the self.”

— Eihei Dōgen, Genjōkōan

01/21/2026

Jan 24, 2026, 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM PST
Winter Sangha Gathering & Potluck

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. Please bring your favorite dish (for 6-8 people) to share with everyone. RSVP at https://www.smzc.org/events-1/winter-sangha-gathering-potluck-on-site-in-zendo-2026-01-24-10-30

01/15/2026

Jan 16, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM PST
January Fusatsu Ceremony

Be present for & experience the Fusatsu (布薩) At-one-ment Ceremony of release, purification, and presence with the full moon. By donation. Register at https://www.smzc.org/events-1/january-fusatsu-ceremony-on-site-in-zendo-2026-01-16-19-30

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