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, […]
Patti Mitchell will lead our discussion to recognize and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
We welcome our guiding teacher from Hartford Street Zen Center in San Francisco.
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.
"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 […]
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.
Sangha member and VSZS board president, Doralee Grindler Katonah, PsyD & MDiv, will lead our discussion.
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 […]
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".
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 […]
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 […]