Photos by Ryan Lely
“Stop at the broken road, cross the fallen bridge and walk through the forest on top of the mountain until you see the sign…” These are not the words of a prophet but rather the directions to the Sonoma Mountain Zen Center. Since heavy winter rains washed out a portion of Sonoma Mountain Road, those wishing to avoid the exciting and treacherous five-minute walk across the crumbling asphalt can take the alternative route through Bennett Valley Road, a 45-minute trip from Sonoma.
The Sonoma Mountain Zen Center is located amidst 82 acres of breathtaking hills that harbor ancient oaks, redwood groves and spectacular views of the Valley of the Moon.
The majestically beautiful location, which is said to have once been a sacred place for the Pomo Indians, makes an ideal spot to begin a spiritual journey. The center was founded in 1974 by Jakusho Kwong-roshi, a native Californian of Japanese descent. Kwong-roshi studied in the late 1950s with the renowned Zen teacher Shunrya Suzuki, who came to California from Japan and stayed for 12 years, becoming a leading figure in Zen teaching in the west and founding the San Francisco Zen Center. In the introduction to Suzuki’s book “Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind,” MIT Professor Richard Baker writes, “He stayed because he found that Americans have a beginner’s mind, that they have few preconceptions about Zen, are quite open to it, and confidently believe that it can help their lives.”
Jakusho Kwong-roshi continues Shunrya Suzuki’s vision at the Sonoma Mountain Zen Center through his work “to make everyday Zen available to people in Sonoma County.” Shinko Kwong, the wife of Jakusho Kwong-roshi and a Zen Master herself, gave us a tour of the various buildings, including the Zendo or meditation hall, beautifully converted from the original barn that existed on the property prior to the center’s purchase of the property. Many of the additional features such as the screened-in porches are made from recycled wood, hand built by members and guests.
Inside the Zendo stands a towering hand-carved Buddha, upon whose serene and androgynous face sit many smaller heads that form a sort of garland of neuroses-small icons of jealousy, hatred, anguish, etc. They are the cause, Shinko explained, of human suffering and misery. The Zen practice, she said, helps to quiet these voices, which are the manifestations of the ego and interfere with finding the true Buddha self and living one’s life with sincere compassion for other living beings. Shinko said people of many different faiths use Zen practice to take them deeper into their faith.
In his book, Shunryu Suzuki wrote, “In the beginner’s mind there is no thought,’I have attained something.’ All self-centered thoughts limit our vast mind. When we have no thought of achievement, no thought of self, we are true beginners. Then we can really learn something. The beginner’s mind is the mind of compassion. When our mind is compassionate, it is boundless.” Shinko Kwong explained that having a “beginner mind” or an open mind helps bring the principles of Zen practice into daily routines, shedding new light on washing dishes, weeding, sweeping, folding laundry by transforming them from dreaded chores into meditative opportunities.
In addition to the daily practice schedules, the center offers a variety of programs, retreats, workshops and study groups. Newcomers are welcome to attend a 9 a.m. meditation instruction on most Saturday mornings, followed by a 10:30 a.m. meditation. They can also participate in the “ zazen” (literally “seated meditation”) that takes place in the Zendo. On Saturday, June 23, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. , they can take an all-day “Introduction Zen Workshop.” The site offers opportunities for other forms of Zen practice including gardening, walking, working during one of the Workfests and instruction in Kyudo, the traditional art of Japanese archery. A special program for children ages 4-9 introduces them to the Zendo, a short zazen meditation, the bell, drum and gong, all of which are used at the center.
In the fall, the center will offer a six-week “Beginner’s Mind Study Group” on Tuesday nights from 7:30 to 9 p.m. The purpose of the study group is “to explore the fundamental teachings of Buddhism and the foundation for daily practice.” Upon request, the center can also provide information and instruction to students from K-12 or university classes who are interested in studying Buddhism.
For anyone who feels his or her engine is idling at a dangerously high RPM, the Sonoma Mountain Zen Center offers opportunities to restore balance, and to bring calmness, compassion and joy to daily life.
Call ahead for schedules and class fees: 707.545.8105. Beginners welcome.
