THE EARTH IS BUDDHA (Thich Nhat Hanh)
Intimacy with Planet Earth as Dharma Realization

Come dressed to commune with the earth, awakening our place in the web of life (there will be a ‘rain’ alternative).

Teachers: Paravrtti Doralee Grindler Katonah and Oscar Balaguer

Parāvrtti Doralee Grindler Katonah serves as Ino, or head of the meditation hall. She studied in the Soto Zen lineage with Sojun Diane Martin in Illinois and Rev. Val Szymanski in California. She was priest ordained in 2019 by Sojun Diane Martin. She served as head student for the spring practice period at Bamboo in the Wind Zen Sangha in May 2022. Doralee offers practice discussion upon request at ino@valleystreamszen.org.

A longtime Zen practitioner and member of Valley Streams, Oscar Balaguer was lay ordained by Tenshin Reb Anderson. Oscar was a senior environmental scientist with the State Water Board. He works now with 350 Sac and other organizations on climate issues, including weaning Sac County from its addictions to sprawl development.

*Zoom link to program

We offer a Well-Being Ceremony on the third Monday of every month to remember friends, family, neighbors, pets and people of the world who are ill, facing a recent loss, or struggling with some difficulty in their lives. Please send the names of those you wish to be remembered to: Parāvrtti Doralee Grindler Katonah (Ino@valleystreamszen.org) by the Sunday evening prior.

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.