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, January 21, 2012 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 9-11, 2012
(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.

February 12-19, 2012
(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.

January 30 - February 25, 2012

(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. 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. For registration please contact Lucy Halverson at kyudoka@juno.com or 415-863-3780.

Advanced - June 6-10  $360 or $310 if registered before May 14th
Beginners - June 7-10  $270 or $230 if registered before May 14th

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, March 3, 2012 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. Jakusho Kwong-roshi and Shinko Kwong will be lecturing and leading discussions on a book TBA  This will be a six-week course.

March 6 - April 17, 2012 Tuesdays 7:30pm - 9:00pm
(non)members: $60 (P)members: $50 (G)members: $55

EVENTS

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.

March 24, 2012 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 8, 2012 Sunday 1 p.m. Donation appreciated.