Calendar

Winter Celebration & Refreshments

Welcome the new year by celebrating the treasure of sangha with your sangha! Please bring a finger food offering, and poetry, story, or music to share (if you wish).

Deep Listening as a Spiritual Practice, by Doralee Grindler Katonah

Suzuki Roshi said practice is about "listening to ourselves." This is not always so easy. Being truly understood by another helps us to listen within. In ordinary conversation, it is rare that we really listen to each other. When we feel heard, we comprehend something about ourselves that has been a mystery. In this workshop, […]

Discussion, led by Patti Mitchell

Patti Mitchell will lead our discussion to recognize and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Full Moon Ceremony

This ceremony is an affirmation of the vow to live for the benefit of all beings. In the Zen tradition we associate the full moon with the ideal of awakening.  All are welcome.

One-day Sitting, led by So On Jim Hare

"Outwardly still while inwardly moving, like a tethered colt or a trapped rat, the ancient sages pitied them and bestowed the teachings." - Song of the Jewel Mirror Samadhi "Traps and snares can never reach it." - Eihei Dogen, Fukanzazengi The traps and snares of thinking and feeling often seem to block the way of […]

Dharma Talk by So On Jim Hare

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.

Discussion on Engaged Practice: What We Do in the World

Our Presidents' Day discussion will be led by So On Jim Hare, head of practice. Monday night programs always begin with zazen (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.  Valley Streams Zen Sangha is dedicated […]

Dharma Talk by So On Jim Hare

Our guiding teacher Rev. Myo Lahey from Hartford Street Zen Center in San Francisco is unable join us this evening due to illness.  In his place, practice leader, Jim Hare will comment on and lead a discussion on Case 94 of the Book of Serenity, "Dongshan is Unwell".