Valley Streams Zen Sangha

Introduction to Zen Meditation - ONLINE
2020-06-08 17:45 - 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
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 their practice of meditative immersion.
If you are not already on our mailing list, please sign up for Weekly Emails to receive the Zoom Meeting ID and password for this meeting.

Dharma Talk by Rev. Mary Mocine (ONLINE)
2020-06-08 19:00 - 20:00
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 Zenkei Blanche Hartman and former Abbots Zoketsu Norman Fischer and Tenshin Reb Anderson of the San Francisco Zen Center. She received dharma transmission from Sojun Mel Weitsman in May 2005..

During the current health crisis, we will meet online using Zoom video conferencing software. To receive the Meeting ID# and password for each meeting, please Sign Up for our Weekly Emails.
*To join the meeting by computer, you must install Zoom software:

Prior to the meeting, download the free Zoom Client for Meetings (13 MB) As you “Wait for the host to start the meeting” click the Test Computer Audio button to make sure you can hear and be heard by others.
Download the chants in PDF.
Sign Up for Weekly Emails to receive each Meeting ID#
At 6:50 pm, join the meeting at: https://zoom.us/j/[Meeting ID]
If you cannot download or run the application, you can join from your browser. (Using Chrome or Firefox works best for this.)
We will start at 7pm with this approximate schedule:
20 minute sitting; followed by chanting, Dharma talk, discussion, and announcements – about 1 hour total.

*To join by telephone (audio only):

Dial 669 900 6833 (San Jose) and follow voice prompts for entering the Meeting ID#.
The one tap string of numbers are included in the Weekly Email.
Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/unmute

We will continue to monitor local health advisories regarding group meetings. We of course hope to be able to resume our in-person programs as soon as it is safe to do so.

Study Group (ONLINE)
2020-06-11 08:00 - 09:00
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 meditation instructions written by seven Zen teachers associated with lineages in China, Japan and Korea. Three of these “meditation manuals” were written by teachers who are counted in our Soto Zen lineage.

To join the Thursday morning study group, email the coordinator, Rollin Ives, twl4148@gmail.com

Prior to the meeting, download the free Zoom Client for Meetings (13 MB) As you “Wait for the host to start the meeting” click the Test Computer Audio button to make sure you can hear and be heard by others.

Meeting ID: 205584902 (the same each week)
At 7:50 am, join the meeting at: https://zoom.us/j/205584902
If you cannot download or run the application, you can join from your browser. (We have not tried this option yet.)

**From your telephone, tap once: +16699006833,,205584902# US (San Jose)
OR
Call 669 900 6833 (San Jose). At the prompt, enter 2005584902
Use these controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = mute/unmute
We will continue to monitor local health advisories regarding group meetings. We of course hope to be able to resume our in-person programs as soon as it is safe to do so. You may also enjoy listening to our archived Dharma Talks, or online programs from Hartford Street Zen Center and San Francisco Zen Center.

Dharma Talk by Rev. So-on Jim Hare (ONLINE)
2020-06-15 19:00 - 20:00
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 in 2016.

During the current health crisis, we will meet online using Zoom video conferencing software. To receive the Meeting ID# and password for each meeting, please Sign Up for our Weekly Emails.
*To join the meeting by computer, you must install Zoom software:

Sign Up for Weekly Emails to receive each Meeting ID#
Prior to the meeting, download the free Zoom Client for Meetings (13 MB) As you “Wait for the host to start the meeting” click the Test Computer Audio button to make sure you can hear and be heard by others.
Download the chants in PDF.
At 6:50 pm, join the meeting at: https://zoom.us/j/[Meeting ID]
If you cannot download or run the application, you can join from your browser. (Using Chrome or Firefox works best for this.)
We will start at 7pm with this approximate schedule: 20 minute sitting, followed by chanting, Dharma talk & sharing; then announcements – about 1 hour total.

*To join by telephone (audio only):

Dial 669 900 6833 (San Jose) and follow voice prompts for entering the Meeting ID#.
The one tap string of numbers are included in the Weekly Email.
Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/unmute

We will continue to monitor local health advisories regarding group meetings. We of course hope to be able to resume our in-person programs as soon as it is safe to do so.

Tuesday Book Group (ONLINE - 7 weeks)
2020-06-16 15:45 - 17:00
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 your study.

Syllabus:
Week 1, pages 1-23: 4 Noble Truths
Week 2, pages 24-46: 4 Noble Truths (con’t.)
Week 3, pages 49-63: Right View & Right Thought
Week 4, pages 64-83: Right Mindfulness
Week 5, pages 84-93: Right Speech
Week 6, pages 94-104: Right Action/Right Effort
Week 7, pages 105-112: Right Concentration/Right Livelihood
• To sign up for the Book Group and receive the Zoom link, contact Jody Ansell, joaansell@gmail.com

Journal Practice for the Pandemic, led by Beth Jacobs, Ph.D. (ONLINE)
2020-06-20 10:00 - 12:00
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 as expressed by the pandemic. After a 30-minute meditation, we will discuss applications of therapeutic writing processes to global and shared trauma. Beth Jacobs will guide us through three different writing techniques.
Beth Jacobs is a writer, clinical psychologist, and a lay-entrusted Soto Zen teacher. Her books include The Original Buddhist Psychology, A Buddhist Journal; Guided Practices for Writers and Meditators.
REGISTRATION: at Eventbrite.com
Fee: $20 or what is realistic for you.
Information: Doralee at grindkaton@icloud.com

Practice Talk by Clement Spring (ONLINE)
2020-06-22 19:00 - 20:00
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 Zoom video conferencing software. To receive the Meeting ID# and password for each meeting, please Sign Up for our Weekly Emails.
*To join the meeting by computer, you must install Zoom software:

Sign Up for Weekly Emails to receive each Meeting ID#
Prior to the meeting, download the free Zoom Client for Meetings (13 MB) As you “Wait for the host to start the meeting” click the Test Computer Audio button to make sure you can hear and be heard by others.
Download the chants in PDF.
At 6:50 pm, join the meeting at: https://zoom.us/j/[Meeting ID]
If you cannot download or run the application, you can join from your browser. (Using Chrome or Firefox works best for this.)
We will start at 7pm with this approximate schedule: 20 minute sitting, followed by chanting, Dharma talk & sharing; then announcements – about 1 hour total.

*To join by telephone (audio only):

Dial 669 900 6833 (San Jose) and follow voice prompts for entering the Meeting ID#.
The one tap string of numbers are included in the Weekly Email.
Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/unmute

We will continue to monitor local health advisories regarding group meetings. We of course hope to be able to resume our in-person programs as soon as it is safe to do so.

SDC Volunteer Work Day
2020-06-28 09:00 - 12:00
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 healthy.

Please double check the SDC calendar before attending:
Sacramento Dharma Center Work Day

Practice Circle, led by Doralee Grindler Katonah
2020-06-29 19:00 - 20:00
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”, we see new faces each week, and also ’new’ regulars. We will use tonight’s practice circle as a way to get to know each other better, while exploring creative expression.

During the pandemic, we will meet online using Zoom video conferencing software. To receive the Meeting ID# and password for each meeting, please Sign Up for our Weekly Emails.
*To join the meeting by computer, you must install Zoom software:

Sign Up for Weekly Emails to receive each Meeting ID#
Prior to the meeting, download the free Zoom Client for Meetings (13 MB) As you “Wait for the host to start the meeting” click the Test Computer Audio button to make sure you can hear and be heard by others.
Download the chants in PDF.
At 6:50 pm, join the meeting at: https://zoom.us/j/[Meeting ID]
If you cannot download or run the application, you can join from your browser. (Using Chrome or Firefox works best for this.)
We will start at 7pm with this approximate schedule:
20 minute sitting; 5 minute chant; 10 minute Dharma talk, 20 minute Discussion/sharing, then announcements – about 1 hour total.

*To join by telephone (audio only):

Dial 669 900 6833 (San Jose) and follow voice prompts for entering the Meeting ID#.
The one tap string of numbers are included in the Weekly Email.
Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/unmute

We will continue to monitor local health advisories regarding group meetings. We of course hope to be able to resume our in-person programs as soon as it is safe to do so.

Dharma Talk by Rev. So-On Jim Hare - ONLINE
2020-07-06 18:45 - 20:15
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 in 2016.

During the pandemic, we will meet online using Zoom video conferencing software. To receive the Meeting ID# and password for each meeting, please Sign Up for our Weekly Emails.
*To join the meeting by computer, you must install Zoom software:

Sign Up for Weekly Emails to receive each Meeting ID#
Prior to the meeting, download the free Zoom Client for Meetings (13 MB) As you wait for the host to start the meeting, click the Test Computer Audio button to make sure you can hear and be heard by others.
Download the chants in PDF.
At 6:50 pm, join the meeting at: https://zoom.us/j/[Meeting ID]
If you cannot download or run the application, you can join from your browser. (Using Chrome or Firefox works best for this.)
We will start at 7pm with this approximate schedule:
20 minute sitting; 5 minute chant; 30 minute Talk/Discussion, then announcements about 1 hour total.

*To join by telephone (audio only):

Dial 669 900 6833 (San Jose) and follow voice prompts for entering the Meeting ID#.
The one tap string of numbers are included in the Weekly Email.
Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/Unmute

We will continue to monitor local health advisories regarding group meetings. We of course hope to be able to resume our in-person programs as soon as it is safe to do so.

Virtual One-day Sitting, led by So-On Jim Hare
2020-07-11 09:00 - 16:00
The Healing Practice of Still Sitting
In this time when our usual freedom of movement continues to be abridged, we can arouse the mind and spirit that is not dependent on movement. Please join us for this gentle day of sitting together virtually, which will include a Dharma talk by Practice Leader So-On Jim Hare.
Register on Eventbrite.com (No charge but donations are appreciated.)

*To join the meeting by computer, you must install Zoom software:

Sign Up for Weekly Emails to receive each Meeting ID#
Prior to the meeting, download the free Zoom Client for Meetings (13 MB) As you “Wait for the host to start the meeting” click the Test Computer Audio button to make sure you can hear and be heard by others.
Download the chants in PDF.
At 6:50 pm, join the meeting at: https://zoom.us/j/[Meeting ID]
If you cannot download or run the application, you can join from your browser. (Using Chrome or Firefox works best for this.)
We will start at 7pm with this approximate schedule: 20 minute sitting, followed by chanting, Dharma talk & sharing; then announcements – about 1 hour total.

*To join by telephone (audio only):

Dial 669 900 6833 (San Jose) and follow voice prompts for entering the Meeting ID#.
The one tap string of numbers are included in the Weekly Email.
Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/unmute

We will continue to monitor local health advisories regarding group meetings. We of course hope to be able to resume our in-person programs as soon as it is safe to do so.

Way-Seeking Mind Talk, by Shitoku Rollin Ives
2020-07-13 18:45 - 20:15
Dharma friend, Shitoku Kishin Rollin Ives will give the talk this evening. Rollin received Jukai (lay precepts) from Steve Weintraub in 2016 at Presidio Hill Zen Center in San Francisco. He began practicing Buddhism in 2001. His Buddhist name is translated as Lion of Devotion – Imperturbable Heart.

During the pandemic, we will meet online using Zoom video conferencing software. To receive the Meeting ID# and password for each meeting, please Sign Up for our Weekly Emails.
*To join the meeting by computer, you must install Zoom software:

Sign Up for Weekly Emails to receive each Meeting ID#
Prior to the meeting, download the free Zoom Client for Meetings (13 MB) As you wait for the host to start the meeting, click the Test Computer Audio button to make sure you can hear and be heard by others.
Download the chants in PDF.
At 6:50 pm, join the meeting at: https://zoom.us/j/[Meeting ID]
If you cannot download or run the application, you can join from your browser. (Using Chrome or Firefox works best for this.)
We will start at 7pm with this approximate schedule:
20 minute sitting; 5 minute chant; 30 minute Talk/Discussion, then announcements about 1 hour total.

*To join by telephone (audio only):

Dial 669 900 6833 (San Jose) and follow voice prompts for entering the Meeting ID#.
The one tap string of numbers are included in the Weekly Email.
Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/Unmute

We will continue to monitor local health advisories regarding group meetings. We of course hope to be able to resume our in-person programs as soon as it is safe to do so.

Dharma Talk by Rev. Myo Lahey
2020-07-20 18:45 - 20:00
Rev. Myo Lahey, Abbot of Hartford Street Zen Center in San Francisco and our guiding teacher, will offer the Dharma talk this evening. Myo has previously served as head of practice (Tanto) at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center. He is a Dharma heir of Tenshin Reb Anderson. Raised in an observant Roman Catholic home, Myo was drawn to religion and spirituality at an early age and found Zen Buddhism in his teens. He began sitting in 1969 and practiced with many San Francisco Zen Center practitioners and teachers, including Dainin Katigiri-roshi, Kobun Chino-sensei, Yoshimura-sensei, and Issan Dorsey. Myo studied Sanskrit at UC Berkeley for ten years.

*To join the meeting by computer, you must install Zoom software:

Sign Up for Weekly Emails to receive each Meeting ID#
Prior to the meeting, download the free Zoom Client for Meetings (13 MB) As you “Wait for the host to start the meeting” click the Test Computer Audio button to make sure you can hear and be heard by others.
Download the chants in PDF.
At 6:50 pm, join the meeting at: https://zoom.us/j/[Meeting ID]
If you cannot download or run the application, you can join from your browser. (Using Chrome or Firefox works best for this.)
We will start at 7pm with this approximate schedule:
20 minute sitting; 5 minute chant; 30+ minute Talk/Discussion, then announcements – a little more than 1 hour total.

*To join by telephone (audio only):

Dial 669 900 6833 (San Jose) and follow voice prompts for entering the Meeting ID#.
The one tap string of numbers are included in the Weekly Email.
Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/unmute

We will continue to monitor local health advisories regarding group meetings. We of course hope to be able to resume our in-person programs as soon as it is safe to do so.

Poetry Night, led by Linda Dekker - ONLINE
2020-07-27 18:45 - 20:30
Sangha member, Linda Dekker, will lead us in an evening of reading and writing poetry. Linda was lay ordained by Tenshin Reb Anderson in 2001 and lived at San Francisco Zen Center’s Green Gulch Farm in 2003-04. She has served on the Board of Directors, as Ino, and on the Practice Committee. She is Office Manager for Sacramento Dharma Center. Her interest in and practice of poetry and writing is long-standing.

During the pandemic, we will meet online using Zoom video conferencing software. To receive the Meeting ID# and password for each meeting, please Sign Up for our Weekly Emails.
*To join the meeting by computer, you must install Zoom software:

Sign Up for Weekly Emails to receive each Meeting ID#
Prior to the meeting, download the free Zoom Client for Meetings (13 MB) As you wait for the host to start the meeting, click the Test Computer Audio button to make sure you can hear and be heard by others.
Download the chants in PDF.
At 6:50 pm, join the meeting at: https://zoom.us/j/[Meeting ID]
The program will begin at 7 pm with this approximate schedule:
20-minute sitting; 5-minute chant; announcements; then a 30-minute Talk/Discussion, about 1.5 hour total.

*To join by telephone (audio only):

Dial 669 900 6833 (San Jose) and follow voice prompts for entering the Meeting ID#.
The one tap string of numbers are included in the Weekly Email.
Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/Unmute

We will continue to monitor local health advisories regarding group meetings. We of course hope to be able to resume our in-person programs as soon as it is safe to do so.

Practice Circle, led by Doralee Grindler Katonah (ONLINE)
2020-08-03 18:45 - 20:30
Doralee serves as 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.

During the current health crisis, we will meet online using Zoom video conferencing software. *To join the meeting by computer, you must install Zoom software.

Sign Up for Weekly Emails to receive each Meeting ID#
Prior to the meeting, download the free Zoom Client for Meetings (13 MB) As you “Wait for the host to start the meeting” click the Test Computer Audio button to make sure you can hear and be heard by others.
Download the chants in PDF.
At 6:50 pm, join the meeting at: https://zoom.us/j/[Meeting ID]
The program will begin at 7 pm with this approximate schedule:
20-minute sitting; 5-minute chant; announcements; then a 30-minute Talk/Discussion, about 1.5 hour total.

*To join by telephone (audio only):

Dial 669 900 6833 (San Jose) and follow voice prompts for entering the Meeting ID#.
The one tap string of numbers are included in the Weekly Email.
Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/unmute

We will continue to monitor local health advisories regarding group meetings. We of course hope to be able to resume our in-person programs as soon as it is safe to do so.

Dharma Talk by Shosan Vicki Austin (ONLINE)
2020-08-10 19:00 - 20:30
Shosan Victoria Austin began practicing both Zen and yoga in 1971. In the Soto Zen tradition, she is entrusted as a Dharma heir in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki, an international priest of the Soto School, and a Dharma teacher at San Francisco Zen Center. She trained in the U.S., in India, and in Japan. In the Iyengar tradition, she is certified as an Intermediate teacher.

During the current health crisis, we will meet online using Zoom video conferencing software. To receive the Meeting ID# and password for each meeting, please Sign Up for our Weekly Emails.
*To join the meeting by computer, you must install Zoom software:

Sign Up for Weekly Emails to receive each Meeting ID#
Prior to the meeting, download the free Zoom Client for Meetings (13 MB) As you “Wait for the host to start the meeting” click the Test Computer Audio button to make sure you can hear and be heard by others.
Download the chants in PDF.
At 6:50 pm, join the meeting at: https://zoom.us/j/[Meeting ID]
The program will begin at 7 pm with this approximate schedule:
20-minute sitting; 5-minute chant; announcements; then a 30-minute Talk/Discussion, about 1.5 hour total.

*To join by telephone (audio only):

Dial 669 900 6833 (San Jose) and follow voice prompts for entering the Meeting ID#.
The one tap string of numbers are included in the Weekly Email.
Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/unmute

We will continue to monitor local health advisories regarding group meetings. We of course hope to be able to resume our in-person programs as soon as it is safe to do so.

Half-day Sitting, led by So-on Jim Hare
2020-08-17 08:00 - 12:00
Details to follow.

Dharma Talk by So-On Jim Hare (ONLINE)
2020-08-17 19:00 - 20:30
So-On Jim Hare serves as 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 in 2016.

During the current health crisis, we will meet online using Zoom video conferencing software. *To join the meeting by computer, you must install Zoom software.

Sign Up for Weekly Emails to receive each Meeting ID and password.
Prior to the meeting, download the free Zoom Client for Meetings (13 MB) As you “Wait for the host to start the meeting” click the Test Computer Audio button to make sure you can hear and be heard by others.
Download the chants in PDF.
At 6:50 pm, join the meeting at: https://zoom.us/j/[Meeting ID]
The program will begin at 7 pm with this approximate schedule:
20-minute sitting; 5-minute chant; announcements; then a 30-minute Talk/Discussion, about 1.5 hour total.

*To join by telephone (audio only):

Dial 669 900 6833 (San Jose) and follow voice prompts for entering the Meeting ID#.
The one tap string of numbers are included in the Weekly Email.
Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/unmute

We will continue to monitor local health advisories regarding group meetings. We of course hope to be able to resume our in-person programs as soon as it is safe to do so.

Dharma Talk by Rev. Myo Lahey (ONLINE)
2020-08-24 19:00 - 20:30, 2020-09-28 19:00 - 20:30
Rev. Myo Lahey, Abbot of Hartford Street Zen Center in San Francisco and our guiding teacher, will offer the Dharma talk this evening. Myo has previously served as head of practice (Tanto) at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center. He is a Dharma heir of Tenshin Reb Anderson. Raised in an observant Roman Catholic home, Myo was drawn to religion and spirituality at an early age and found Zen Buddhism in his teens. He began sitting in 1969 and practiced with many San Francisco Zen Center practitioners and teachers, including Dainin Katigiri-roshi, Kobun Chino-sensei, Yoshimura-sensei, and Issan Dorsey. Myo studied Sanskrit at UC Berkeley for ten years.

During the current health crisis, we will meet online using Zoom video conferencing software. To receive the Meeting ID# and password for each meeting, please Sign Up for our Weekly Emails.
*To join the meeting by computer, you must install Zoom software:

Sign Up for Weekly Emails to receive each Meeting ID#
Prior to the meeting, download the free Zoom Client for Meetings (13 MB) As you “Wait for the host to start the meeting” click the Test Computer Audio button to make sure you can hear and be heard by others.
Download the chants in PDF.
At 6:50 pm, join the meeting at: https://zoom.us/j/[Meeting ID]
The program will begin at 7 pm with this approximate schedule:
20-minute sitting; 5-minute chant; announcements; then a 30-minute Talk/Discussion, about 1.5 hour total.

*To join by telephone (audio only):

Dial 669 900 6833 (San Jose) and follow voice prompts for entering the Meeting ID#.
The one tap string of numbers are included in the Weekly Email.
Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/unmute

We will continue to monitor local health advisories regarding group meetings. We of course hope to be able to resume our in-person programs as soon as it is safe to do so.

Dharma Talk by Zenju Earthlyn Manuel (ONLINE)
2020-08-31 19:00 - 20:30
Guest teacher, Rev. Zenju Earthlyn Manuel, of Still Breathing Zen Meditation Center in Oakland, will lead our meditation and offer the dharma talk. Rev. Zenju is a dharma heir of Buddha and the late Zenkei Blanche Hartman in the Shunryu Suzuki Roshi lineage through the San Francisco Zen Center (SFZC). Her practice is influenced by Native American and African indigenous traditions. She is an author, poet, teacher, artist, and drum medicine woman. The essence of her transmissions come together in her talks and books. The Deepest Peace: A Season of Contemplation and Stillness (upcoming by Parallax Press, Fall 2020); Sanctuary: A Meditation on Home, Homelessness, and Belonging, The Way of Tenderness: Awakening Through Race, Sexuality, and Gender (print and audio) and Black Angel Cards: 36 Oracles and Messages for Divining Your Life.
• Dana for her can be offered through: PayPal.me/Zenju

*To join the meeting by computer, you must install Zoom software:

Sign Up for Weekly Emails to receive each Meeting ID#
Prior to the meeting, download the free Zoom Client for Meetings (13 MB) As you “Wait for the host to start the meeting” click the Test Computer Audio button to make sure you can hear and be heard by others.
Download the chants in PDF.
At 6:50 pm, join the meeting at: https://zoom.us/j/[Meeting ID]
The program will begin at 7 pm with this approximate schedule:
20-minute sitting; 5-minute chant; announcements; then a 30-40 minute Talk/Discussion, about 1.5 hour total.

*To join by telephone (audio only):

Dial 669 900 6833 (San Jose) and follow voice prompts for entering the Meeting ID#.
The one tap string of numbers are included in the Weekly Email.
Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/unmute

We will continue to monitor local health advisories regarding group meetings. We of course hope to be able to resume our in-person programs as soon as it is safe to do so.

Study Group (ONLINE)
2020-09-03 08:00 - 09:00
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.
We are currently reading The Wholehearted Way, Eihei Dogen’s Bendowa, translated by Shohaku Okumura and Taigen Daniel Leighton.

To join the Thursday morning study group, email the coordinator, Rollin Ives, twl4148@gmail.com

Prior to the meeting, download the free Zoom Client for Meetings (13 MB) As you “Wait for the host to start the meeting” click the Test Computer Audio button to make sure you can hear and be heard by others.

Meeting ID: 205584902 (the same each week)
At 7:50 am, join the meeting at: https://zoom.us/j/205584902
If you cannot download or run the application, you can join from your browser. (We have not tried this option yet.)

**From your telephone, tap once: +16699006833,,205584902# US (San Jose)
OR
Call 669 900 6833 (San Jose). At the prompt, enter 2005584902
Use these controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = mute/unmute
We will continue to monitor local health advisories regarding group meetings. We of course hope to be able to resume our in-person programs as soon as it is safe to do so. You may also enjoy listening to our archived Dharma Talks, or online programs from Hartford Street Zen Center and San Francisco Zen Center.

CLOSED for Labor Day Holiday
2020-09-07 19:00 - 20:30
We will resume our regular programming on Thursday, Sept. 10.

Bringing Mindfulness to the Fore; a half-day sitting
2020-09-12 09:00 - 13:00
“A monk goes to the forest, to the foot of a tree, or to an empty room, sits down cross-legged in the lotus position [or some other way], holds the body straight, and establishes mindfulness in front of him/her.” ~The Satipatthana Sutra.

The schedule for this retreat will include sitting and walking meditation, and a short Dharma talk by Valley Streams Zen Sangha practice leader, So-On Jim Hare. The schedule will include the option to begin sitting early, before joining the group on Zoom.
•This event is offered by donation. Please consider making an offering through Eventbrite.com when you register, or from the link on our homepage.
REGISTER HERE to receive full details and instructions for joining via Zoom.

"Uses of the Heart Sutra" (Pt. 1 of 2) by So-On Jim Hare (ONLINE)
2020-09-14 18:50 - 20:30
Tonight’s talk, “Uses of the Heart Sutra” is Part 1 of 2. The second talk will be given next Monday, Sept. 21.
So-On Jim Hare serves as 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 in 2016.

During the current health crisis, we will meet online using Zoom video conferencing software. *To join the meeting by computer, you must install Zoom software.

Sign Up for Weekly Emails to receive each Meeting ID and password.
Prior to the meeting, download the free Zoom Client for Meetings (13 MB) As you “Wait for the host to start the meeting” click the Test Computer Audio button to make sure you can hear and be heard by others.
Download the chants in PDF.
At 6:50 pm, join the meeting at: https://zoom.us/j/[Meeting ID]
The program will begin at 7 pm with this approximate schedule:
20-minute sitting; 5-minute chant; announcements; then a 30-minute Talk/Discussion, about 1.5 hour total.

*To join by telephone (audio only):

Dial 669 900 6833 (San Jose) and follow voice prompts for entering the Meeting ID#.
The one tap string of numbers are included in the Weekly Email.
Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/unmute

We will continue to monitor local health advisories regarding group meetings. We of course hope to be able to resume our in-person programs as soon as it is safe to do so.

"Uses of the Heart Sutra" (Pt. 2) by So-On Jim Hare (ONLINE)
2020-09-21 19:00 - 20:30
Join us tonight for Part 2 of “Uses of the Heart Sutra”, given by So-On Jim Hare.
So-On Jim Hare serves as 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 in 2016.

During the current health crisis, we will meet online using Zoom video conferencing software. *To join the meeting by computer, you must install Zoom software.

Sign Up for Weekly Emails to receive each Meeting ID and password.
Prior to the meeting, download the free Zoom Client for Meetings (13 MB) As you “Wait for the host to start the meeting” click the Test Computer Audio button to make sure you can hear and be heard by others.
Download the chants in PDF.
At 6:50 pm, join the meeting at: https://zoom.us/j/[Meeting ID]
The program will begin at 7 pm with this approximate schedule:
20-minute sitting; 5-minute chant; announcements; then a 30-minute Talk/Discussion, about 1.5 hour total.

*To join by telephone (audio only):

Dial 669 900 6833 (San Jose) and follow voice prompts for entering the Meeting ID#.
The one tap string of numbers are included in the Weekly Email.
Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/unmute

We will continue to monitor local health advisories regarding group meetings. We of course hope to be able to resume our in-person programs as soon as it is safe to do so.

Way-seeking Mind Talk, by Brett Gardali (ONLINE)
2020-10-05 19:00 - 20:30
Our Monday night programs begin with zazen (sitting meditation) followed by a devotional service and dharma talk, group discussion, practice circle or retreat night. 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.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, we will meet online using Zoom video conferencing software. We will continue to monitor local health advisories regarding group meetings. We of course hope to be able to resume our in-person programs as soon as it is safe to do so.
*To join the meeting by computer, you must install Zoom software:

Sign Up for Weekly Emails to receive each Meeting ID and Password.
Prior to the meeting, download the free Zoom Client for Meetings (13 MB) As you Wait for the host to start the meeting click the Test Computer Audio button to make sure you can hear and be heard by others.
Download the chants in PDF.
At 6:50 pm, join the meeting at: https://zoom.us/j/[Meeting ID],[Password]
The program will begin at 7pm with this approximate schedule: 20 minute sitting; 5 minute chant; announcements; then a 30-40 minute Talk/Discussion.

*To join by telephone (audio only):

Dial 669 900 6833 (San Jose) and follow voice prompts for entering the Meeting ID and password.
The one tap string of numbers are included in the Weekly Email.
Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/unmute

Half-day Sitting (outdoors), led by So-On Jim Hare
2020-10-10 08:30 - 12:30
After these many months of sitting at home, we have an opportunity to practice together, sitting outside, socially distanced. (Air quality and weather permitting!) This will be a “zazenkai” sitting, meaning a schedule of silent sitting and walking meditation, with no dharma talk. Everyone will be masked and at least 6 feet apart.
Registration is by donation and the number of attendees is limited. Please send an email if you are not already on our email list.

Dharma Talk by So-On Jim Hare (ONLINE)
2020-10-12 19:00 - 20:30

Dharma Talk by Hoka Soko Chris Fortin (ONLINE)
2020-10-19 19:00 - 20:30
This evening we welcome guest teacher, Chris Fortin, a Soto Zen teacher who began practicing Buddhism in 1976 while living at the San Francisco Zen Center. After many years of practice she received Dharma Transmission from Zoketsu Norman Fischer of Everyday Zen, in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi.

Chris founded Dharma Heart Zen to share the path of wholehearted living and awakening with others. She leads the Dharma Heart Zen Sangha in Cotati and the Woman’s Lotus Sangha in Sebastopol. She is a senior teacher in the Everyday Zen community and leads workshops at SFZC. She is guiding teacher of Sky Island Zen in Tuscon Arizona and leads retreats in ancient Aravaipa Canyon. She was the co- founder of Veterans PATH (formerly Honoring the Path of the Warrior), offering retreats and meditation and mindfulness practices for returning veterans. She offers Jizo Bodhisattva trainings and ceremonies for those who have lost children, loved ones and those who are grieving the pain and suffering of the world. Chris is actively engaged in the dharma of social and racial justice and the climate crisis. She coleads a monthly Racial Literacy and Dharma Group and serves on the Soto Zen Buddhist Association’s Diversity Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility (DEIA) Committee.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, we will meet online using Zoom video conferencing software. We will continue to monitor local health advisories regarding group meetings. We of course hope to be able to resume our in-person programs as soon as it is safe to do so.
*To join the meeting by computer, you must install Zoom software:

Sign Up for Weekly Emails to receive each Meeting ID and Password.
Prior to the meeting, download the free Zoom Client for Meetings (13 MB) As you Wait for the host to start the meeting click the Test Computer Audio button to make sure you can hear and be heard by others.
Download the chants in PDF.
At 6:50 pm, join the meeting at: https://zoom.us/j/[Meeting ID],[Password]
The program will begin at 7pm with this approximate schedule: 20 minute sitting; 5 minute chant; announcements; then a 30-40 minute Talk/Discussion.

*To join by telephone (audio only):

Dial 669 900 6833 (San Jose) and follow voice prompts for entering the Meeting ID and password.
The one tap string of numbers are included in the Weekly Email.
Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/unmute
