Sonoma Mountain Zen Center
Sonoma Mountain Zen Center, also known as Genjoji, is a Soto Zen practice center situated on 80 acres in Sonoma County, California. It was founded in 1973 by Jakusho Kwong and his wife Laura Kwong, continuing the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki. The center serves as a hub for residential training, retreats, and offers practice opportunities for both residents and non-residents.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1973 by Jakusho Kwong and Laura Kwong.
- ›Located on 80 acres in the mountainous region of Sonoma County, California.
- ›Carries on the Soto Zen tradition and lineage of Shunryu Suzuki.
- ›Offers residential training, Saturday Community programs, and group retreats.
- ›Self-sustaining through member donations, bookstore proceeds, and room rentals.
- ›Current guiding teacher is Jakusho Kwong.
Important Relationships
- Shunryu Suzuki
80 Acres of Land, Redwood Grove Near the Entrance
Groundbreaking Ceremony On September 16, 2012
About Sonoma Mountain Zen Center
Sonoma Mountain Zen Center, also known by its Dharma name Genjoji, is a significant practice center for Soto Zen Buddhism. Established in 1973 by Jakusho Kwong and his wife Laura Kwong, the center is situated on a substantial 80-acre property in the scenic mountainous region of Sonoma County, California, near Santa Rosa. It is dedicated to upholding the Soto Zen tradition and lineage passed down from the revered teacher Shunryu Suzuki.
Practice and Community
The center provides a comprehensive environment for spiritual development, offering residential training programs for those seeking deep immersion in Zen practice. In addition to residential opportunities, Sonoma Mountain Zen Center hosts Saturday Community gatherings and various group retreats, welcoming practitioners from the local area and beyond. It also extends its practice regimen to individuals who are not residents but wish to engage with the teachings and discipline.
Sustenance and Philosophy
Sonoma Mountain Zen Center operates as a self-sustaining institution. Its financial stability is maintained through a combination of member donations, revenue generated from its Zen Dust bookstore, and the rental of its facilities. The unique atmosphere of the center has been noted by authors, with one description highlighting the journey through a redwood grove to its entrance as a passage into a space where reality is perceived differently, reflecting the center's contemplative ethos.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Sonoma Mountain Zen Center founded?
Sonoma Mountain Zen Center was founded in 1973 by Jakusho Kwong and his wife Laura Kwong. This followed an earlier period where they led a 'put away zendo' in Mill Valley.
Where is Sonoma Mountain Zen Center located?
The center is situated on 80 acres in the mountainous region of Sonoma County, California, near Santa Rosa. Its location is described as being near the top of a mountain.
What kind of training does Sonoma Mountain Zen Center offer?
Sonoma Mountain Zen Center offers residential training for those seeking to live and practice at the center. They also provide Saturday Community programs and group retreats, as well as practice opportunities for non-residents.
How does the Zen center support itself financially?
The center is a self-sustaining institution. It relies on member donations, proceeds from its Zen Dust bookstore, and by offering rooms for rental to generate income.
What is the lineage of Sonoma Mountain Zen Center?
Sonoma Mountain Zen Center carries on the tradition and lineage of Shunryu Suzuki. Jakusho Kwong, the founder, is the current guiding teacher.
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