Our guest, Rev. Taiga Ito, trained at Daihonzan Sojiji, one of the head monasteries of Soto Shu (Soto Zen in Japan). In 2016, Taiga Ito became Kokusaifukyoshi (international teacher of Soto Shu). He served as secretary of the Soto Zen Buddhism International Center between 2016 and 2018, and has served as its Assistant Director since 2019.

Our Monday night programs begin with zazen (sitting meditation) followed by a devotional service and dharma talk, group discussion, practice circle or retreat night. 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.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, we meet online using Zoom video conferencing software. We of course hope to be able to resume our in-person programs as soon as it is safe to do so.

1. Meeting ID for Monday Evenings is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82008151977
2. Prior to the meeting, download the free Zoom Client for Meetings (13 MB)  As you Wait for the host to start the meeting click the Test Computer Audio button to make sure you can hear and be heard by others.
3. Download the chants in PDF.
4. At 6:50 pm, join the meeting.
5. The program will begin at 7pm with this approximate schedule: 30 minute sitting; 5 minute chant; announcements; then a 30-40 minute Talk/Discussion.

*To join by telephone (audio only):

1. Dial 669 900 6833 (San Jose) and follow voice prompts for entering the Meeting ID and password.
2. The one tap string of numbers are included in the Weekly Email.
3. Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/unmute