Timely Wisdom

Join Stone Creek Zen Center for a vibrant community celebration of meditation, music, and connection with two of America's most respected and engaging Dharma teachers, Norman Fischer and Sylvia Boorstein. As longtime friends and dedicated practitioners, they will each offer teachings and guide practices that foster healing, clarity, and a sense of belonging even in the midst of uncertain times. Together, they will also delve deeper into these themes in what promises to be a rich and insightful conversation.

Our time together will be graced by the magical tones of the handpan and shakuhachi, played by musical guests Gary Muszynski and Ron Berger. 

Doors open at 3pm for tea, Zen crafts for sale, and socializing.

Program begins at 4pm.

All are welcome, regardless of meditation experience.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to be part of this special gathering of restoration, renewal, and inspiration!

Please scroll down for information on tickets and sponsorships.

*********************************

Soto Zen priest Zoketsu Norman Fischer is a former abbot of the San Francisco Zen Center. In 2000 he founded the Everyday Zen Foundation (www.everydayzen.org), a network of Zen groups and other Dharma projects. One of the senior Zen teachers in America, he is also a prolific poet and author, whose most recent titles are When You Greet Me I Bow: Notes and Reflections from a Life in Zen (prose), and Men in Suits and There Was a Clattering As ...  (poetry). His Selected Poems: 1980-2013 was published in 2017. He  is a father and grandfather who lives with his wife Kathie, also a Soto Zen priest, in Muir Beach, in sight of the sea. 

Sylvia Boorstein is an American author, psychotherapist, and Buddhist teacher. She is a co-founding teacher at Spirit Rock Meditation Center and also is a senior teacher at the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts. She has written numerous books, such as It’s Easier Than You Think: The Buddhist Way to Happiness, That’s Funny, You Don’t Look Buddhist, and Don’t Just Do Something, Sit There. www.sylviaboorstein.com

Gary Muszynski is an award-winning percussionist, composer, bandleader, recording artist, and producer.  He creates genre-defying, original music that combines world folk traditions, infused with an improvisational sensibility and ambient sounds. He refers to his music as world-ambient-folk or global medicine music. Gary has performed and recorded with some of the great musical luminaries of our times. His current album, Roots & Wings: Medicine Music, won the top honor at the prestigious Global Music Awards in 2021 and can be accessed through Gary’s website, oneworldmusic.com. Gary’s new album is The Journey Home — Songs of Longing & Belonging.

In 1975 Ron Berger was a student at Mt. Baldy Zen Center, where he met Masayuki Koga, Sensei, a renowned shakuhachi flute master. For the next 25 years, Ron immersed himself in Rinzai Zen practice while continuing his study of the shakuhachi and performing with the Japanese Music Institute under the direction of Koga Sensei. In 1999 Ron’s CD Bamboo Flute Lullabies of Japan was released.

**************************************

About Stone Creek Zen Center 

For almost 30 years, Stone Creek Zen Center has been a place for Zen Buddhist practice in Sonoma County. Founded as a backyard zendo in Sebastopol by Jisho Warner in 1996, Stone Creek now occupies a beautifully renovated building in Graton. Head Priest Sessei Meg Levie joined in April 2022, and Stone Creek now is home to a thriving community, hosting a full schedule of meditation, retreats, workshops, and events. 

www.stonecreekzen.org

Head Priest Sessei Meg Levie and Founding Teacher Jisho Warner

**************************************

Your contribution supports Stone Creek Zen Center to continue to be resource for clarity and compassion and a refuge of peace for people in Sonoma County and beyond. 

TICKETS:

General admission: $75

Supporter: $125
Your additional contribution supports Stone Creek's offerings throughout the year. As a gift, you also will receive a signed copy of Norman's book When You Greet Me, I Bow: Notes and Reflections from a Life in Zen.

Reduced cost: $35
A limited number of reduced price tickets are available for those for whom the general admission price would be a hardship.

**************************************

SPONSORSHIPS:

Level 1: $300
Your business logo or name will be printed on our event program, displayed at our information table, listed on our website and event communications, with verbal mention at the event and encouragement to Stone Creek members to support your business. One ticket is included.

Level 2: $500
All of the above, with two tickets included as well as regular mention in our weekly newsletter, which reaches over 500 people, mostly local to Sonoma County, for the rest of the year.

Level 3: $1000
All of the above, with four tickets included.

Level 4: $2500
All of the above, including a featured mention in our newsletter and on our website. 

Thank you for your support!

This event is a fundraiser and friendraiser for Stone Creek Zen Center, a registered not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Donations above $75 per ticket are tax-deductible. Sponsorships may also be covered via check or bank deposit; please inquire below.

Questions or need more information? Email event@stonecreekzen.org.