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Sonoma Mountain Zen Center hosted its Third Annual Sonoma Mandala Bazaar on the Mountain on Saturday, September 1, 2012, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., in support of its Sonoma Mandala Project.

Admission was free!

Sonoma County Taiko

The event, which in the past has drawn enthusiastic crowds, features a diverse group of regional artisans and craftspeople offering woodwork and sculptures, mixed media and fiber art, ceramics, handmade jewelry, ethnic artifacts, bamboo flower vases, and more.

Performances and demonstrations during the day included the Sonoma County Taiko drummers; Soei Mouri Sensei leading a classic Zen Tea Ceremony; Elliot Kallen playing unique music for shakuhachi flute with Naoko on shamisen and koto strings; Aikido demonstrations by Kuma Kai of Sebastopol and New School Aikido of Santa Rosa; and Zen Kyudo archers enacting “The Way of the Bow.” Full schedule appears on the right.

Highlighting the Bazaar was a treasure-filled raffle featuring a framed original calligraphy by SMZC’s renowned Abbot, Jakusho Kwong-roshi, as well as visits to the Cottage Inn & Spa, Osmosis Spa, The Links at Bodega Harbor, Hana Japanese Restaurant, Sonoma Mountain Zen Center, Quarry Hill Botanical Garden, and more.

The Mandala Bazaar offers an opportunity to see a variety of live performances, attend a Japanese tea ceremony performed by a master, view a wide variety of selected arts and crafts, and socialize among friends and family under the oaks on beautiful Sonoma Mountain. Sumptuous bento box lunches, assortments of delicious sweets, baked goods and refreshing drinks will also be offered for sale for visitors' enjoyment. If you're interested in art, Zen or a unique experience, SMZC's annual bazaar has something special for you! Click here for a complete list of 2012 vendors,
performers and supporters.

Calligraphy by Jakusho Kwong-roshi. This year’s Mandala Bazaar Raffle featured another framed original calligraphy by Roshi.

The Zen Center will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of its new Meditation Hall on Sunday September 16 at 10 a.m. Inspired by both American and Japanese influences, this hall will provide a superbly designed space to continue authentic Soto Zen practice in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki-roshi for many years to come.

The Center’s ongoing Sonoma Mandala Project, begun in 2004, will support the construction of an enduring and vibrant temple complex to reflect the spirit of Zen on this land for centuries. In Kwong-roshi’s words, the Mandala will provide “a sanctuary in which we can awaken to our true connection with the universe we share with every being and thing.”

“This annual bazaar offers the public an opportunity to experience the beauty of Sonoma Mountain Zen Center in its rural setting, and to share the creativity of many of its members and friends,” says center member Neil Myers. “It will be a chance to relax and talk under the oaks, as well as to support our Mandala effort to carry on traditional Buddhist meditation practice for years to come.”

Elliot Kallen Naoko

Sonoma Mountain Zen Center, founded in 1973 by Jakusho Kwongroshi and Shinko Kwong, is esteemed for its natural tranquility, in which people from all backgrounds can realize their basic goodness through Zen Buddhist practice. The Zen Center has members from throughout the United States and Canada, and from affiliate centers in Poland and Iceland.

Sonoma Mountain Zen Center is located at 6367 Sonoma Mountain Road, Santa Rosa.

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• Visit the raffle page

• Complete list of 2012 vendors,
performers and supporters 

• Learn more about the Mandala Project

• Donate - Please support
the Mandala Project!
ALL CONTRIBUTIONS HELP
MAINTAIN THE BUDDHADHARMA!

Contact: SMZC office (707) 545-8105 | bazaar@smzc.net