Ryuko Laura Burges, a lay entrusted dharma teacher in the Soto Zen tradition, teaches classes, lectures, and leads retreats in Northern California. She received monastic training at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center and is in long-term recovery. Laura co-founded the Sangha in Recovery Program at the San Francisco Zen Center and is the abiding teacher at Lenox House Meditation Group in Oakland. Shambhala Publications offers her Buddhist children’s books, Buddhist Stories for Kids and Zen for Kids. Her most recent book from Shambhala is The Zen Way of Recovery: An Illuminated Path Out of the Darkness of Addiction. Laura lives in San Francisco.

Laura Burges has recently published a new book, The Zen Way of Recovery, which reflects her long experience working with people in recovery. In her Dharma talk at Valley Streams she will offer a teaching based on this line from the Hokyo Zanmai, the Song of the Jewel Mirror Samadhi: “When erroneous imaginations cease, the acquiescent mind realizes itself.” She writes: “When we loosen the grip of our self-created suffering, our flowing, flexible, Big Mind is able to shine forth. Perhaps our most pervasive erroneous imagination is, ‘I am alone, a stranded individual in my own tiny boat.’ Actually, we are deeply connected to all things and all beings.”

*Zoom link to program

Our Monday night programs begin with zazen (sitting meditation) followed by a devotional service and dharma talk, group discussion, or practice circle. There are no membership requirements to participate. We invite donations to support the room rental, visits by teachers, and other sangha activities. 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. If this is your first visit please arrive at least 15 minutes early for a brief orientation.