We are happy to announce!
Valley Streams Zen Sangha will return its practice & programs to the Sacramento Dharma Center, beginning July 1st, 2021.
We invite everyone to return to in-person attendance at that time. We strongly encourage everyone to be vaccinated for Covid-19. Consistent with CDC guidance, we will not require masks for vaccinated people. However, we encouragemask-wearing by anyone who feels more comfortable doing so. Should any unvaccinated person choose to attend in person, we strongly encourage you to wear a mask for your own protection. We will continue to offer a Zoom or Livestream option for people who live far from the zendo or who choose not to attend in person for any reason. A system for broadcasting events from the Dharma Center has been assembled to facilitate this.
Please sign up for our Weekly Emails to receive current information about our programs→ Right side of this page →
~ Upcoming Virtual Events ~
• Monday Evenings (online) – 6:50 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
*Zoom link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82008151977
June 7 – Dharma Talk by Rev. Korin Charlie Pokorny
June 14 – Way-Seeking Mind Talk by Richard Hicks
June 21 – Dharma Talk by Rev. Zenju Earthlyn Manuel (video)
June 28 – Dharma Talk by So-On Jim Hare
• Retreats – Retreats are held on the first Saturday of the month. (meeting at the Dharma Center AND online)
July 3 – One-day Sitting, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Registration on Eventbrite.com – Coming Soon!
• Introduction to Zen Meditation (online) – Second Monday each month; Next class: June 14, 5:45 – 6:30 p.m.
*Zoom link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89078415062
• Thursday Morning Zazen & Service – (meeting at the Dharma Center AND online) Every Thursday, 6 – 7:20 a.m. For Zoom Meeting ID and more information, contact Rollin Ives at twl4148@gmail.com
• Zen Study Group – (meeting at the Dharma Center AND online)
Every Thursday, 7:50 – 9 a.m. Ongoing online meeting of the Valley Streams Zen study group. To join this group, contact Rollin Ives at twl4148@gmail.com
• Book Club (online)– Fourth Thursday each month, 4:30 – 6 p.m. The current book: America’s Racial Karma; an Invitation to Heal, by Larry Ward. To join this group, contact: Doralee Grindler Katonah at grindkaton@icloud.com or Linda Dekker at zendekker@gmail.com
To join via computer, download the free Zoom Client for Meetings
- Sign up for Weekly Emails to receive Meeting ID number for each program.
- To join by telephone, call 1 669 900 6833 and follow the prompts for entering the meeting ID number.
- Download SFZC Chants in PDF.
Valley Streams Zen Sangha is dedicated to the study of Buddha’s teaching and the practice of meditation. We invite newcomers and experienced Zen students to join us.
Our sangha is maintained by a community of people who have traveled many different paths. We come together to support each other in practicing Buddha’s way.
The highest value of Buddhist practice is to shine the light of awareness on habits of mind that perpetuate prejudice and discrimination so all may wake up together. This includes learning how we are conditioned to separate ourselves by race, gender, age, ability, sexual orientation and other forms of cultural identity.
Valley Streams Zen Sangha is affiliated with the Branching Streams network of the San Francisco Zen Center. Our forms and practice are inspired by the teachings of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi.
Our Monday night programs always begin with (sitting meditation). Additional offerings include a devotional service, dharma talks by visiting teachers, group discussions, practice circles and retreat nights. There are no membership requirements to participate. We invite donations to support the room rental, visits by teachers, and other sangha activities.
“The sound of the valley streams enters the ears. Lamplight pierces the eyes. Beyond this, not a single moment of thought.” –Eihei Dogen