Valley Streams Zen Sangha

One-day Sitting, led by So On Jim Hare
2018-02-03 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
“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 calm, joyful sitting. How do we become free of these apparent obstacles? No one really knows, yet zazen keeps drawing us back to encounter our essential freedom. This one-day sitting provides another opportunity, supported by a schedule of sitting and walking meditation, Dharma talks, and noble silence throughout the day. Please arrive early so we can begin sitting promptly at 9 a.m. Bring a bag lunch. Everyone is welcome.
If this is your first one-day sitting, please call practice leader Jim Hare after January 28th and prior to registering. 916-456-7752.
REGISTER HERE

Dharma Talk by So On Jim Hare
2018-02-05 19:00 - 21:00
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
2018-02-12 19:00 - 21:00
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
2018-02-19 19:00 - 21:00
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 to the study of Buddha’s teaching and the practice of meditation. We invite newcomers and experienced Zen students to join us.

Dharma Talk by So On Jim Hare
2018-02-26 19:00 - 21:00
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"
2018-03-01 08:00 - 09:00
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 Shohaku Okumura, Living By Vow, chapter 7.

Space is limited to the first 10 who sign up. There is no fee, but we ask you to consider offering a donation to help support Valley Streams Zen and the Sacramento Dharma Center.
Please bring your own copy of Branching Streams Flow in the Darkness.
To Register: email Rollin Ives TWL4148@gmail.com

Half-day Sitting - "Throughout the body, hands and eyes."
2018-03-03 08:30 - 12:00
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 Dharma talk by Rev. So On Jim Hare, practice leader. If this is your first extended sitting with Valley Streams Zen Sangha, please call Jim at 916-456-7752 prior to registering. Our morning will be followed by a social bag lunch. Please bring your lunch and join us.
Register for the sitting.

Discussion: Jiaoan's Sand in the Eye
2018-03-05 19:00 - 21:00
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 Centeries of Awakened Women, ed. by Florence Caplow and Susan Moon. We chose this, in part, because the commentary is offered by Zenki Mary Mocine, who was scheduled to give a Dharma talk, but is unable to do so due to an injury.
The case:
Jiaoan was the niece of a high official of the Song dynasty. When she was young, she decided not to marry or bear children and she set her heart on the way of Chan. She experienced a clear awakening at the words of Master Yuanwu Keqin as he spoke to the assembly. Later, Yuanwu said to her, “You should go on to erase your views–then you will finally be free.”
She answered in verse:
The pillar pulls out the bone sideways;
the void shows its claws and fangs;
even if one profoundly understands,
there is still sand in the eye.

Dharma Talk by Edward Espe Brown
2018-03-12 19:00 - 21:00
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. Brown at 5:30 pm at the Dharma Center.

Dharma Talk by Rev. Myo Lahey
2018-03-19 19:00 - 21:00
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 as its Treasurer. Rev. Myō is available for individual practice discussion by appointment.
Our Monday night programs usually begin with zazen (sitting meditation), followed by a short devotional service, dharma talk, group discussion, or practice circle. 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.

Retreat Night
2018-03-26 19:00 - 21:00
Retreat night consists of three 25-minute sitting periods with walking meditation in between. All are welcome.

"Expressing Our Gratitude"
2018-04-02 19:00 - 21:00
Presented by So On Jim Hare and Doralee Grindler Katonah.
Monday night programs usually begin with zazen (sitting meditation), followed by a short devotional service, dharma talk, group discussion, or practice circle. 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.

CANCELED - One-day Sitting and Spring Workday
2018-04-07

Buddha's Birthday Sitting and Ceremony
2018-04-09 19:00 - 21:00
Tonight we celebrate the birth of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni with a special ceremony.
Our Monday night programs usually begin with zazen (sitting meditation), followed by a short devotional service, dharma talk, group discussion, or practice circle. 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.

Dharma Talk by Rev. Myo Lahey
2018-04-16 19:00 - 21:00
Rev. Myo 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. He is a Dharma heir of Tenshin Reb Anderson. Rev. Myo is available for individual practice discussion by appointment.
Our 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. 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.

CANCELLED - One Day Sitting with Reb Anderson
2018-04-21 09:00 - 16:30

Introduction to Yogacara (1st of 3 lectures)
2018-04-23 19:00 - 21:00
Yogacara and Madhyamaka are two schools of Indian Buddhism closely associated with the rise of Mahayana Buddhism in the centuries following the life of the Buddha. These schools were active during the period that Buddhism entered China (1st century or before), making them influential in the development of Chinese Buddhism and Zen. Madhyamaka translates as “middle way” and is associated with teachings on emptiness. Yogacara variously translates as “yoga practice,” “mind-only,” or “representation-only.” Yogacara focuses on the central function of consciousness as the shaper/creator of reality, going so far as to teach that there is no external world, there is “only consciousness.” You can see the influence of Yogacara teaching in this poem by Han Shan:
Who takes the Cold Mountain Road takes a road that never ends
the rivers are long and piled with rocks
the streams are wide and choked with grass
it’s not the rain that makes the moss slick
and it’s not the wind that makes the pines moan
who can get past the tangles of the world
and sit with me in the clouds
Our lecture series, presented by So On Jim Hare over three weeks, will give an introduction/overview of the Yogacara school, a session discussing one of the seminal sutras of the school, and a session introducing a set of verses that were composed in the 5th Century to convey the essence of the school’s teachings.
For advance study, these books may be helpful:
Inside Vasubandhu’s Yogacara, by Ben Connelly.
The Third Turning of the Wheel (chapter 8), by Tenshin Reb Anderson.

Introduction to Yogacara (2nd of 3 lectures)
2018-04-30 19:00 - 21:00
Yogacara and Madhyamaka are two schools of Indian Buddhism closely associated with the rise of Mahayana Buddhism in the centuries following the life of the Buddha. These schools were active during the period that Buddhism entered China (1st century or before), making them influential in the development of Chinese Buddhism and Zen. Madhyamaka translates as “middle way” and is associated with teachings on emptiness. Yogacara variously translates as “yoga practice,” “mind-only,” or “representation-only.” Yogacara focuses on the central function of consciousness as the shaper/creator of reality, going so far as to teach that there is no external world, there is “only consciousness.” You can see the influence of Yogacara teaching in this poem by Han Shan:
Who takes the Cold Mountain Road takes a road that never ends
the rivers are long and piled with rocks
the streams are wide and choked with grass
it’s not the rain that makes the moss slick
and it’s not the wind that makes the pines moan
who can get past the tangles of the world
and sit with me in the clouds
Our lecture series, presented by So On Jim Hare over three weeks, will give an introduction/overview of the Yogacara school, a session discussing one of the seminal sutras of the school, and a session introducing a set of verses that were composed in the 5th Century to convey the essence of the school’s teachings.
For advance study, these books may be helpful:
Inside Vasubandhu’s Yogacara, by Ben Connelly.
The Third Turning of the Wheel, by Tenshin Reb Anderson.

Seeing / Drawing Meditation Retreat
2018-05-05 09:00 - 16:00
In drawing, we have an opportunity to set aside our egos while becoming one with the object. The investigation takes us into the essence of the object, seeing it as it truly is. This is not an art class per se, and no prior drawing experience is required. What is asked for is our willingness to deeply observe, connect our eyes with our hearts and hands, and open to whatever may emerge. This mostly silent day will include periods of meditation and movement. Weather permitting, we will work outdoors.
Led by Karen Hamilton and Barb Baccei.
Please bring a bag lunch.
$20 plus $10 for materials. Scholarships are available.
Please contact info@valleystreamszen.org
REGISTER at eventbrite.com

Introduction to Yogacara (3rd of 3 lectures)
2018-05-07 19:00 - 21:00

Retreat Night
2018-05-14 19:00 - 21:00
Rev. Myo Lahey will not be meeting with us tonight as originally scheduled. We will instead enjoy our traditional retreat night; a chance to settle into our practice with three 25 minute periods of zazen, interspersed with walking meditation (kinhin). Turning the light inward we explore the causes of suffering and what ends it. This invitation is extended to everyone.
Our 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. 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.

Dharma Talk by Rev. Kyosho Valorie Beer
2018-05-21 19:00 - 21:00
Rev. Kyosho Valorie Beer is an itinerant teacher for SF Zen Center’s Branching Streams sanghas. She received dharma transmission from Edward Brown in 2013. In addition to leading retreats, Valorie is a teacher for sewing Buddha’s Robe, sutra copying, practicing with aging, and writing as a spiritual practice.
Our 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. 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.

CLOSED for Memorial Day holiday.
2018-05-28 19:00 - 21:00
Please enjoy the holiday with family and friends.
Our 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. 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.

Mind of Compassion, Body of Support
2018-06-02 09:00 - 16:00
A Day of Zen Meditation, Buddhist Teaching & Yoga, taught by Kyosho Valorie Beer and Barbara Baccei
Immerse yourself in a day of traditional Buddhism and alignment Yoga. From Buddhism’s Four Foundations of Mindfulness, you will be guided in identifying long-held emotional patterns and the way they show up in your body. Meditation allows us to study our interpretations of the body’s experience as pain and pleasure. Yoga reveals the visceral connection integrating mind and body together for the relief of suffering. Find ease in your body-mind. Live in the world with more compassion for yourself and others. An adaptive approach for people of all genders, backgrounds, abilities and disabilities.
Kyosho Valorie Beer has practiced Zen Buddhism since 1991. She ordained as a priest in 2005 and received dharma transmission in 2013 from her teacher Edward Espe Brown. She is a visiting teacher for San Francisco Zen Center’s Branching Streams sanghas.
Barbara Baccei has practiced yoga since 1990. She was teacher certified in 1997. She divides her time between Sacramento and Berkeley, practicing and teaching, and completing training through The Berkeley Yoga Room

No meditation or yoga experience required.
Please bring a sack lunch and yoga mat.
Fee: $0-$60 sliding scale
Information: Barbbaccei@gmail.com
REGISTER at Eventbrite.com

Practice Circle led by Doralee Grindler Katonah
2018-06-04 19:00 - 21:00
Letting Go and Turning Towards ~ The pathway to freedom from suffering.
‘A student at Tassajara sat facing Suzuki Roshi on a tatami mat in his room. The student said he couldn’t stop snacking in the kitchen and asked what he should do. Suzuki reached under his table, “Here, have some jelly beans,” he said.’ (from To Shine One Corner of the World – Moments with Shunyru Suzuki, p.12)
The Buddha spoke of the causes of suffering to be clinging and turning away, and especially clinging to self and avoiding no self. Zazen releases these opposites and yet this isn’t easy. Trying not to cling could become turning away and turning towards could become a form of clinging.

In this practice circle we will inquire: What is our practice showing us about this truth? How do we give whatever arises its freedom?

Practice Circle Guidelines (as adapted from the Zen Center of Los Angeles):
When speaking, we practice speaking from integrity and speak the truth as we know it. We stay focused on our own experience as opposed to taking about others or talking abstractly.
In listening, we try not to interrupt, even with our thoughts. We practice receiving whatever is being offered by another without attachments or judgements.
In silence, we allow all things to arise and pass away, accepting and honoring different expressions and perspectives. We sit with our discomfort.

Study Group - The Heart Sutra
2018-06-07 08:00 - 09:00
Study is one of the pillars of Zen practice. Please join us every Thursday morning for our ongoing study group to discuss ancient and contemporary texts.

Facilitated by Rev. So On Jim Hare.
Current text: Living by Vow: A Practical Introduction to Eight Essential Zen Chants and Texts by Shohaku Okamura.
Heart of Great Perfect Wisdom Sutra
Contact Rollin Ives (twl4148@gmail.com) for details.

Japanese Temple Pilgrimage, presented by Sarah O'Gara
2018-06-11 19:00 - 21:00
Sangha member and board member, Sarah O’Gara, will share some of her adventures in Japan during her trip to visit many Buddhist temples.
Our 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. 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.

Tea Ceremony with Misha Merrill
2018-06-17 11:00 - 12:00
Misha Merrill is the primary teacher for Zen Heart Sangha in Menlo Park and Woodside, California and has been practicing Zen since 1984. She was ordained as a Zen priest in 1988 and received Dharma Transmission in 1998 from her teacher, Les Kaye Roshi, the abbot of Kannon Do Zen Center and dharma heir in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, the founder of San Francisco Zen Center.
Suggested donation: $20 – $30.
Register on Eventbrite

Dharma Talk by Rev. Myo Lahey
2018-06-18 19:00 - 21:00
Rev. Myo Lahey is Abbot at Hartford Street Zen Center in San Francisco and our guiding teacher. He has previously served as Practice Leader at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center. He is a Dharma heir of Tenshin Reb Anderson.
Rev. Myo is available for individual practice discussion by appointment prior to our Monday evening program. Email info@valleystreamszen.org

Zazen & Full Moon Ceremony
2018-06-25 19:00 - 21:00
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.
