RETREATS

ONE DAY SITTING

For beginners as well as seasoned sitters to experience a taste of a silent retreat in a moderate schedule. Includes prostrations, several periods of meditation, chanting, formal oryoki meals in the zendo and mindfulness work practice.

Saturday, May 8, 2010 4:45 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Includes Friday dinner and overnight stay.)

(non)members: $60 (P)members: $40 (G)members: $50

KIDO RETREAT

Kido means "the Way of Energy". Two days of chanting, bowing, using simple percussion instruments such as bells, clackers and small drums, while circling in procession. An intensive practicing of chanting samadhi where all sounds become one universal sound. Led by Lincoln Rhodes, Buddhist name Ji Do Poep Sa Nim, successor of Korean Zen Master Seung Sahn and Jakusho Kwong-roshi.

November 12-14, 2010

                                                               (non)members: $60/day (P)members: $40/day (G)members: $50/day

SESSHIN RETREAT

A silent meditation intensive for experienced sitters to still the mind in a rigorous schedule that begins at 4:45 a.m. with prostrations and includes 10 periods of meditation, chanting, mindful work, Dharma talks and private interviews. Days end at 9 p.m. The retreat begins at 7:30 p.m. on the first day and ends at 4 p.m. on the last day. Special arrangements can be made for those unable to come for the entire retreat due to work commitments.

June 10-13, 2010
August 15-22, 2010

(non)members: $60/day (P)members: $40/day (G)members: $50/day

PRACTICE PERIOD

This is a 27-day retreat held each winter and summer with six meditation periods daily, prostrations, oryoki meals, study, chanting and work practice. It is designed to enhance moment by moment mindfulness. There will be a seven-day sesshin intensive included within the Ango. Participants are welcome to participate for three days minimum. Shared accommodations in cabins, tents and yurt.

August 2 - 28, 2010

(non)members: $60/day or $1500/month (P)members: $40/day (G)members: $50/day

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. This retreat will be lead by Don Symanski. He has studied Kyudo with Kanjuro Shibata Sensei since 1980. Currently he is one of two head instructors in the Hekiryu Bishu Chikurinha form of Kyudo as taught by Shibata Sensei. Don learned bow making with Shibata Sensei's son, Nobuhiro Shibata, in Kyoto. Since 1991, he has made yumi for Kyudo students and taught students the proper use of the yumi and Kyudo as a meditation path. This retreat is open to beginners as well as experienced Kyudo practitioners. For further Kyudo information go to www.zenko.org. For registration please contact Lucy Halverson at kyudoka@juno.com or 415-863-3780.

Beginners - June 3-6, 2010 $225
Advanced - June 2-6, 2010 $300

CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS

INTRODUCTION TO ZEN WORKSHOP

An orientation workshop for beginners offering the basics of Zazen meditation, a grounding in the practice of mindfulness and an introduction to the Buddhist perspective. This workshop will include short periods of sitting meditation, outdoor walking meditation, discussion, informal presentations relating buddhist thought to actual zen practice and instruction on soto zen forms. A vegetarian buffet lunch is included.

Saturday, June 19, 2010. October 16 9:00am - 3:00pm

(non)members: $60 (P)members: $40 (G)members: $50

STUDY GROUP

FALL STUDY GROUP: Investigating and “turning our radiance inward” through zen practice, we begin to discover what our mind really is. This is an opportunity to explore the fundamental teachings of buddhism and the foundation for daily practice. Kwong-roshi is a Dharma successor of Shunryu Suzuki-roshi and Abbott of Sonoma Mountain Zen Center. Shinko Kwong was ordained in 1996 and is currently head of practice of Sonoma Mountain Zen Center. This will be a six-week course

                                                  October 5 - November 23, 2010 Tuesdays 7:30pm - 9:00pm
                                                  (non)members: $60 (P)members: $50 (G)members: $55

EVENTS

1st ANNUAL SONOMA MANDALA BAZAAR

Come up and join us for a day on the Mountain!  Local vendors and artists will be offering comtemporary pottery, paintings, photographs and textile art.  Enjoy homemade cookies, pies, baked goods, sumptuous foods and refreshing drinks under the oaks.  Special performances will be taiko drumming, traditional Japanese tea ceremony, shakuhachi flute, koto stringed instrument and Kyudo “the way of the bow” demonstration.  During the event we will be holding a raffle for an original framed calligraphy by Jakusho Kwong-roshi.  Don’t miss it!  Everyone bring your family, friends and kids to this wonderful event!  Spread the word and mark your calendars!

FREE EVENT!
September 4, 2010 10 am - 2 pm

WORKFEST

This biannual event is an opportunity for friends and families of Sonoma Mountain Sangha to work together on projects in the spirit of together-action. Delicious lunch, snacks, and beverages provided. No meditation or lecture schedule.

October 30, 2010 Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

BIRTH OF THE BUDDHA CELEBRATION (Buddha's Birthday)

This is a day for the entire family to join us in commemorating the birth of Shakyamuni Buddha with a flower festival and a traditional ceremony of pouring sweet tea over the baby Buddha. Bring garden or wildflowers and hors d'oeuvres.

April 10, 2011 Sunday 1 p.m. Donation appreciated.