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.
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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.
Expression with What is Arising: Practice Circle led by Doralee
Sangha member and VSZS board president, Doralee Grindler Katonah, PsyD & MDiv, will lead our discussion.
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".
Study Group on “The Harmony of Difference and Equality”
Six Thursdays, 8 - 9 am • March 1 - April 5, 2018 • Led by Rev. So On Jim Hare Using Shunryu Suzuki's book, Branching Streams Flow in the Darkness as a guide, we will study the classic 8th century poem, Sandokai, "The Harmony of Difference and Equality." We will also use the text by […]
Half-day Sitting – “Throughout the body, hands and eyes.”
Sitting zazen is extending an invitation to great compassion. Not doing anything, yet compassion arises spontaneously, "like reaching back for a pillow at night," according to one Zen story. On Saturday March 3rd, we'll send invitations all morning, still and silent on our cushions, and moving in walking meditation. Our morning will include a short […]
Discussion: Jiaoan’s Sand in the Eye
Linda Dekker and Karen Hamilton will facilitate Koan Study. This will be an opportunity to get a taste of what we do in the Women Ancestors group which meets every third Thursday at 9 am. The Koan we will look at is Jiaoan's Sand in the Eye, pp. 90-92 of The Hidden Lamp: Stories from Twenty-five […]
Dharma Talk by Edward Espe Brown
Edward Espe Brown is a well-known Soto Zen Buddhist teacher, author, and chef. He was ordained in 1971 by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, who gave him the Dharma name Jusan Kainei , “Longevity Mountain, Peaceful Sea.” He leads sitting groups and meditation retreats in Northern California and internationally. BONUS: Please join us for a potluck supper with Rev. […]
Dharma Talk by Rev. Myo Lahey
Rev. Myō Lahey is Abbot at Hartford Street Zen Center in San Francisco , as well as Guiding Teacher at Valley Streams Zen Sangha. He has previously served as Practice Leader at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center. A Dharma heir of Tenshin Reb Anderson, Myō is a sometime board member of the Soto Zen Buddhist Association of North America (SZBA) and also serves […]
Retreat Night
Retreat night consists of three 25-minute sitting periods with walking meditation in between. All are welcome.