"The Gift of Zazen is ILLIMITABLE! Don't Waste Any Time!" In her talk Doralee will share encouragements for quickening our practice. Doralee serves as our Ino (head of the mediation hall) and is also president of the VSZS board of directors. She was priest ordained in 2019 by Sojun Diane Martin. Doralee's talk in PDF. During […]
On the second Monday of each month, we offer a 40-minute introduction to Zen practice. For now, we are offering the instruction online, using using Zoom video conferencing software. We focus on the art of sitting meditation, with emphasis on posture, breath and mental focus. This is for new meditators and those wishing to refresh […]
Reverend Mary Mocine, is abbess of Clear Water Zendo in Vallejo. She was trained at San Francisco and Berkeley Zen Centers, and Tassajara Zen Monastery. She was ordained in 1994 by Sojun Mel Weitsman, former Abbot of San Francisco Zen Center and continuing Abbot of the Berkeley Zen Center. Reverend Mocine has also trained with Abbess […]
During this time of separation, please join us online for our ongoing study of ancient and contemporary texts. The study group is facilitated by Rev. So-On Jim Hare, with readings from Mahayana Buddhism & Soto Zen texts and commentaries. On June 11, we begin reading Minding Mind; a Course in Basic Meditation, translated by Thomas Cleary. This book presents […]
So-On Jim Hare serves as Tanto, or head of practice. He lived in the San Francisco Zen Center community from 1980 to 1984, and was lay ordained by Tenshin Reb Anderson in 1985. He served as Head Student at Green Gulch Farm during the spring 2002 practice period. He was priest ordained by Myo Lahey […]
We will discuss the Buddha's teaching of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path as presented by Which That Hanh in his book, The Heart of Buddha's Teaching. This book group is ideal for people who want a grounding in or a review of fundamental Buddhist teachings. Please purchase or borrow the book for […]
In this unprecedented time, a writing practice can help sustain a sense of orientation within the chaos. We can discern awareness of the First Noble Truth through articulation of our personal challenges, behaviors, feelings, and reactions to events. Expressive writing helps us both stay with and let go of the enormous pressure of current changes […]
Clement Spring serves as Head Doan for the sangha. His talk, “The tides of conceiving do not sweep over one who stands on these foundations.” - is based on his studies of the Majjhima Nikya. Clem is studying to be a priest with Kyosho Valorie Beer. During the current health crisis, we will meet online using […]
On the last Sunday of every month volunteers are invited to help with outdoor maintenance, and other tasks around the Sacramento Dharma Center. It is a great way to show your gratitude, with the added benefit of making new friends - while social distancing of course since we are following local guidelines for staying safe and […]
For this evening's program, we welcome and celebrate the new "Zoom Sangha” we have been creating together since the start of the Pandemic. We will also talk about our nation's recent awakening to its own systemic racism. These crises have disrupted many of our usual habits; providing new opportunities for creativity and understanding. With "Zoom Sangha", […]