May 25-28    CLOSED TO HOST SHAMBHALA DRALA

May 30-June 1 "NO BEGINNING, NO END" 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 Sesshin is a 3 day practice period that will allow us to dive into the core of Zen training. A silent meditation intensive for experienced sitters to still the mind from moment to moment manifesting the realization of the Way. It includes a rigorous schedule that begins at 4:45 a.m. with prostrations and includes 10 periods of meditation, chanting, mindful work, Dharma talks, private interviews. and end at 9 pm. Retreat begins Thursday at 7:30 p.m., and ends Sunday, June 2, at 5 p.m. Special arrangements can be made for those unable to come for the entire retreat due to work commitments.
Non-members $60/day General $50/day Practicing $40/day

June 3-4    CLOSED

June 6-9   KYUDO: The Way of the Bow Kyudo is the traditional art of Japanese archery referred to as “moving meditation”. This unique retreat is a traditional discipline to experience precise forms in which the mind and body become naturally synchronized; manifesting the flight of the arrow. The daily practice will include zazen as essential to the spirit of Kyudo. The contemplative practice of Kyudo, when taken up with patience and attention to detail, is a dynamic way to balance the body, focus the mind, and open the heart. When a student lets go of goals and expectations, Beginner’s Mind is revealed. The physical aspect of Kyudo is inseparable from its spiritual aspect. The form provides a subtle mirror of the mind throughout the movements and continues with the arrow’s release. In this retreat, beginners will receive training in the basic Kyudo form, called “The Seven Coordinations”. Intermediate students will train in group forms including: hitote, standing and kneeling variations, tsukubai, and gempei/AB. Platform etiquette will also be reviewed.

The retreat will take place at Sonoma Mountain Zen Center, Genjo-ji, which is under the guidance of Jakusho Kwong-roshi. It is an integrated residential program that, in addition to kyudo training, will include morning and evening zazen and periods of work practice. Meditation instruction will be available. This provides a unique opportunity for Kyudo training within the container of Zen Practice.

Please register by May 31 Beginners & Intermediate: $250.00 $75 non-refundable deposit to reserve a space. Equipment will be provided.For registration please contact Lucy Halverson at kyudoka@juno.com or 415-863-3780.

June 8 Sat.    SATURDAY COMMUNITY STUDENT TALK John Kaian 11 am. Zendo

June 15 Sat.    SATURDAY COMMUNITY STUDENT TALK Ray Estabrook 11 am. Zendo

June 15 Sat.    INTRODUCTION TO ZEN WORKSHOP 9- 3 PM.  An introduction to Zen teachings, Zendo form, rituals, instruction on zazen, and also main concepts as basic foundation for Zen practice.  For beginners and intermediate people who would like to gain more insight into the philosophy of Zen and how to actualize those principles in everyday life.  Includes vegetarian lunch.  $50.  Instructor: Chris Katsuzen

June 22 Sat.     SATURDAY COMMUNITY STUDENT TALK Fern LaRocca 11 am. Zendo

June 27 Thur    ROSHI RETURNS FROM EUROPE

June 29 Sat.    SATURDAY COMMUNITY STUDENT TALK Joseph Mumon 11 am. Zendo

July 4 Thur    CLOSED – HAPPY 4th OF JULY!

July 6 Sat.    "MOMENT TO MOMENT" ONE DAY SITTING 4:45 am to 5 pm An opportunity for beginners as well as experienced sitters to plunge into the heart of Zen practice.  8 periods of meditation, bowing, formal meals, chanting and work practice.  Includes Friday 6 pm dinner and overnight stay. 
Non-Members: $60 General M: $50   Practicing M: $40

July 13 Sat.    SATURDAY COMMUNITY DHARMA TALK Shinko Kwong 11 am. Zendo

July 20 Sat.    SUMMER COUNCIL PROCESS

July 27 Sat.    SATURDAY COMMUNITY STUDENT TALK Chuck Ramey 11am.  Zendo

July 29 - Aug. 24    SUMMER PRACTICE PERIOD   Summer Ango begins Mon., July 29 at 7:30 pm, and ends Saturday, Aug. 24 at 12 pm, followed by a Celebration Dinner at 6:30 pm.  This 27-day practice period includes six daily sittings, prostrations, oryoki meals, study, chanting, and work practice to enhance mindfulness.  Members and visitors are welcome to join us for zazen meditation anytime Monday through Sunday.  Please pick up the Ango schedule for the meditation period times.  This is a wonderful time for the entire Sangha to participate in this practice - whether in the Zendo, at work, or as a householder.  Direct your focus to extend your meditation into all your activities and be wholeheartedly present moment after moment.  Please come Monday, July 29 at 7:30 pm for the opening ceremony, as the Shuso (Head Student) – June “Myoko” Davis presents the theme for Ango.
Non-Members: $60 per day/overnight  General M: $50   Practicing M: $40

Aug 26 - Aug. 29    CLOSED 

Aug 31 Sat.     SATURDAY COMMUNITY DHARMA TALK Jakusho Kwong-roshi 11 am. Zendo

Sep 7 Sat.    SONOMA MANDALA BAZAAR:  Benefit for Sonoma Mountain Zen Center. Unwind, loosen up and join us for our Annual Bazaar on the Moun­tain! Local vendors and talented artists will be offering contemporary pottery, paintings, photographs and textile creations. Enjoy homemade cookies, pies, baked goods, sumptuous foods and refreshing drinks under the oaks. Special performances will include taiko drumming, traditional Japanese tea ceremony, shakuhachi flute, koto stringed instrument and an extraordinary demonstration of the art of Kyudo “the way of the bow.” We will be holding a raffle for a re­markable treasure: a framed original calligraphy by Jakusho Kwong-roshi. 
Don’t miss this event! Bring family, friends, kids, and neighbors!  Mark your calendars and spread the word! ADMISSION FREE! Saturday 11 - 4pm

Sept. 14 Sat.    SATURDAY COMMUNITY STUDENT TALK Chris Katsuzen 11am.  Zendo

Sept 14-20    HOSTING HOLLOW BONES Closed to the public