May We Gather: A National Buddhist Memorial Ceremony for Asian American Ancestors
2021-05-04 16:00 - 17:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
May We Gather: A National Buddhist Memorial Ceremony for Asian American Ancestors (livestreamed)

This event is offered by Higashi Honganji Temple in Los Angeles to help us address anti-Asian American racism.
Download the flyer.

Dharma Talk by Ryuko Laura Burgees
2021-05-10 19:00 - 20:30
Ryuko Laura Burges, a lay entrusted Buddhist teacher in the Soto Zen tradition, lectures and leads retreats at different practice centers in Northern California. A teacher of children for 30 years, she trains other teachers to bring mindfulness practice into the elementary classroom. Laura co-founded the Sangha in Recovery program at San Francisco Zen Center.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, we meet online using Zoom video conferencing software. We of course hope to be able to resume our in-person programs as soon as it is safe to do so.

Meeting ID for Monday Evening Programs: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82008151977
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.
The program will begin at 7pm with this approximate schedule: 30 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

Way-Seeking Mind Talk by Shalama Yahchove
2021-05-17 19:00 - 20:30
Shalamah has been practicing with Valley Streams since 2019. She received the Bodhisattva precepts June 19, 2019, from her teacher OSho Zenju Earthlyn Manuel, in a Jukai ceremony at the Berkeley Zen Center. Professionally, Shalamah is a licensed California chiropractor and massage provider. She has offered massage during summers at Tassajara, since 2015, while living and practicing there.
Each of us has come to Zen practice as a seeker, with a spirit of inquiry, from diverse backgrounds. The idea of our way-seeking mind talks is for members to share how it is they came to practice. Each person tells his or her own story in a unique way that often blends autobiography, spiritual biography, and the practice questions that each is engaged with.

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 meet online using Zoom video conferencing software. We hope to resume our in-person programs as soon as it is safe to do so.

Meeting ID for Monday Evenings: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82008151977
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.
The program will begin at 7pm with this approximate schedule: 30 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

Dharma Talk by Rev. So On Jim Hare
2021-05-24 19:00 - 20:30
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.

*To join by computer,

Download the free Zoom Client for Meetings (13 MB)
Meeting ID for Monday Evenings is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82008151977
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.
The program will begin at 7pm with this approximate schedule: 30 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

CLOSED - Memorial Day Holiday
2021-05-31 19:00 - 20:30

Allowing Emptiness to Fill the Page: a Sitting & Writing Retreat with Beth Jacobs (online)
2021-06-05 09:00 - 16:00
This workshop will be dedicated to writing practices that honor the Buddhist path. We will practice techniques that illustrate the overlap between mindfulness training and expressive writing. Using material from the Abhidharma, Mahayana sutras and writings of Eihei Dogen, we will demonstrate how personal writing can enrich our study of the dharma and provide a space where teachings can come to life in our creativity.
Beth Jacobs is a writer, transmitted lay teacher in the Soto Zen Buddhist lineage, and a clinical psychologist in private practice. She is the author of The Original Buddhist Psychology; Long Shadows of Practice, Poems; and A Buddhist Journal: Guided Practices for Writers and Meditators. She facilitates expressive writing groups for children, teenagers, and grandparents. She has taught Abhidharma classes at several sanghas and has co-taught “Abhidhamma and Buddhist Thought” through the Mid-American Buddhist Association and the University of Kelaniya in Sri Lanka.
Register on Eventbrite.com
Tickets: $20-$60 (or an amount that is right for you.)
For questions, email Doralee at grindkaton@icloud.com

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

Register for the retreat to receive the 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.
Join the meeting at: https://zoom.us/j/[Meeting ID],[Password]
A detailed schedule will be emailed to those who are registered.

*To join by telephone (audio only):

Dial 669 900 6833 (San Jose) and follow voice prompts for entering the Meeting ID and password.
Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/unmute

Dharma Talk by Rev. Korin Charlie Pokorny
2021-06-07 19:00 - 20:30
Rev. Korin Pokorny began Sōtō Zen practice in 1991 at the San Francisco Zen Center and trained as a resident at Tassajara and Green Dragon Temple (Green Gulch Farm) from 1994 to 2006. He received a master’s degree in religious studies at Stanford University in 1994. He was ordained as a Sōtō Zen priest in 1999 by Tenshin Reb Anderson. Together with his wife, Sarah Dojin Emerson, and the founding teacher, Jisho Warner, he serves as one of the head priests at Stone Creek Zen Center in Graton, California, while also maintaining close ties to San Francisco Zen Center.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, we meet online using Zoom video conferencing software. We will resume our in-person programs as soon as it is safe to do so.

Meeting ID for Monday Evenings: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82008151977
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.
The program will begin at 7pm with this approximate schedule: 30 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.
Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/unmute

Study Group (online AND in-person)
2021-06-10 08:00 - 09:00
The Zen Study Group is now meeting at the Dharma Center AND online. The study group is facilitated by Rev. So-On Jim Hare, with readings from ancient and contemporary Mahayana Buddhist & Soto Zen texts and commentaries. The group is currently reading The Evolution of the Precepts, by Konin Charlie Pokorny of Stone Creek Zen Center.

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: 83295648686 (the same each week)
At 7:50 am, join the meeting at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83295648686

**From your telephone, tap once: +16699006833,,83295648686# US (San Jose)
OR
Call 669 900 6833 (San Jose). At the prompt, enter 83295648686
Use these controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = mute/unmute
You may also enjoy listening to our archived Dharma Talks, or online programs from Hartford Street Zen Center and San Francisco Zen Center.

Way-Seeking Mind Talk by Richard Hicks (ONLINE)
2021-06-14 19:00 - 20:30
Each of us has come to Zen practice as a seeker, with a spirit of inquiry. We all arrive at Valley Streams Zen Sangha from diverse backgrounds. The idea of our way-seeking mind talks is for members to share how it is they came to practice. Each person tells his or her own story in a unique way that often blends autobiography, spiritual biography, and the practice questions that each of us is engaged with.

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 meet online using Zoom video conferencing software. We will resume our in-person programs as soon as it is safe to do so.

Meeting ID for Monday Evenings: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82008151977
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.
The program begins at 7pm with this approximate schedule: 30 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.
Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/unmute

Dharma Talk by Rev. Zenju Earthlyn Manuel (online by video)
2021-06-21 19:00 - 20:30
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 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 teachings come together in her talks and books. The Deepest Peace: Contemplations from a Season of Stillness; Sanctuary: A Meditation on Home, Homelessness, and Belonging, The Way of Tenderness (print and audio); Tell Me Something About Buddhism; and Black Angel Cards: 36 Oracles and Messages for Divining Your Life.
• Dana for her can be offered through: PayPal.me/Zenju

During the Covid-19 pandemic, we meet online using Zoom video conferencing software. We will resume our in-person programs as soon as it is safe to do so.

Meeting ID for Monday Evenings: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82008151977
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.
The program will begin at 7pm with this approximate schedule: 30 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.
Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/unmute

Study Group (in-person & online)
2021-06-24 08:00 - 09:00
The Zen Study Group is now meeting at the Dharma Center AND online. The study group is facilitated by Rev. So-On Jim Hare, with readings from ancient and contemporary Mahayana Buddhist & Soto Zen texts and commentaries. The group is currently reading The Evolution of the Precepts, by Konin Charlie Pokorny of Stone Creek Zen Center.

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: 83295648686 (the same each week)
At 7:50 am, join the meeting at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83295648686

**From your telephone, tap once: +16699006833,,83295648686# US (San Jose)
OR
Call 669 900 6833 (San Jose). At the prompt, enter 83295648686
Use these controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = mute/unmute

Dharma Talk by Rev. So On Jim Hare (ONLINE)
2021-06-28 19:00 - 20:30
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.

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.

We will resume our in-person programs NEXT WEEK July 5th – and also offer the program online using Zoom video conferencing software.

Meeting ID for Monday Evenings: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82008151977
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.
The program will begin at 7pm with this approximate schedule: 30 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.
Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/unmute

One-day Sitting: Benefitting All Beings (at the Dharma Center)
2021-07-03 09:00 - 17:00
In Buddhism, the four unlimited mental attitudes are loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity. These attiudes are unlimited because the benefits thay bring to self and other can’t be quantified; they are immeasurable.
In this day of in-person sitting meditation practice, we will focus on these four immeasurables that teach all sentient beings and bring us contentment.
This retreat will be led by Valley Streams practice leader So On Jim Hare. The day will include a morning Dharma talk and afternoon discussion.
REGISTER ON EVENTBRITE.COM (NOTE: because this is an all-day event, we will not be offering it online.)

Welcome Back Practice Circle (in-person & online)
2021-07-05 19:00 - 20:30
After zazen, we will hold a memorial service to remember all who have died or lost loved ones to the virus. For the practice circle, we explore the question “How has the pandemic affected your practice life?”
This is our first IN-PERSON Monday night meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic began. We invite you to join us in whatever form gives you comfort and joy. We strongly encourage everyone to be vaccinated for COVID-19. Consistent with CDC guidance, we will not require masks for vaccinated people. However, we encourage mask-wearing by anyone who feels more comfortable doing so. Should any unvaccinated person choose to attend in person, we strongly encourage you to wear a mask for your own protection. We will continue to offer a Zoom or Livestream option for people who live far from the zendo or who choose not to attend in person for any reason. A system for broadcasting events from the Dharma Center has been assembled to facilitate this.

If you are joining us online:

Meeting ID for Monday Evenings: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82008151977
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.
The program will begin at 7pm with this approximate schedule: 30 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.
Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/unmute

Introduction to Zen Meditation (in-person at the Dharma Center)
2021-07-12 18:00 - 18:40
On the second Monday of each month, we offer a 40-minute introduction to Zen practice. 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.
These classes are now being held at the Dharma Center only. Sign up for Weekly Emails to receive current program information.

Dharma Talk by Anbo Stuart Kutchins (in-person AND online)
2021-07-12 19:00 - 20:30
Anbo Stuart Kutchins has been practicing Zen since the early 1980’s. He shares the path of practice with his wife and fellow priest Ninen Carrie Kutchins. They ordained in 1994 with their principal teacher Tenshin Reb Anderson and lived in the San Francisco Zen Center community 1994 – 1999, at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center and Green Gulch Farm. In 2009 Anbo returned to Tassajara for six months to serve as Tanto. Anbo is currently the guiding teacher for the Floating Island Zendo in Pt. Reyes and the Mountain Source Sangha in Bolinas. He will join us online from his home in Inverness.

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.

Meeting ID for Monday Evenings: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82008151977
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.
The program will begin at 7pm with this approximate schedule: 30 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.
Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/unmute

Morning Zazen & Service (in-person and online)
2021-07-15 06:00 - 07:30, 2021-07-29 06:00 - 07:30
Please join us for early morning silent meditation each Thursday before Study Group meeting. Contact Rollin Ives at twl4148@gmail.com for Zoom login and program information.
Schedule:
5:45-Zoom room opens,
6:00-Zazen,
6:30-Walking Meditation,
6:40-Zazen,
7:10-Service
•Download SFZC Chants in PDF.

Dharma Talk by So-On Jim Hare (in-person & online)
2021-07-19 19:00 - 20:30
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.

As of July 1, we invite everyone to return to in-person attendance. We strongly encourage everyone to be vaccinated for Covid-19. Consistent with CDC guidance, we will not require masks for vaccinated people. However, we encourage mask-wearing by anyone who feels more comfortable doing so. Should any unvaccinated person choose to attend in person, we strongly encourage you to wear a mask for your own protection. We will continue to offer a Zoom or Livestream option for people who live far from the zendo or who choose not to attend in person for any reason. A system for broadcasting events from the Dharma Center has been assembled to facilitate this.
For those who are joining us online:

Meeting ID for Monday Evenings: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82008151977
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.
The program will begin at 7pm with this approximate schedule: 30 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.
Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/unmute

Morning Zazen & Service (in-person & online)
2021-07-22 06:00 - 07:30

Dharma Talk by Rev. Dojin Sarah Emerson (in-person & online)
2021-07-26 19:00 - 20:30
Dojin Sarah Emerson is co-Head Priest at Stone Creek Zen Center in Graton, CA. She lived and trained at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center and other sites of the San Francisco Zen Center from 1998-2007. She received Dharma Transmission from Abbott Konjin Gaelyn Godwin of the Houston Zen Center in 2015. She has a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from California Institute of Integral Studies, and has worked in the fields of mental health and pastoral care with children and adults. As a priest in the U.S., Sarah is committed to centering anti-racist practice. She experiences Bodhisattva Zen practice as uniquely supportive to inquiring into, challenging, and transforming systems of oppression, particularly racial inequities and the harm they cause within convert Buddhist sanghas and in U.S. society generally. Sarah has also worked for many years in grief support—clinically, pastorally, and in community—specializing in ceremonies for child loss. She lives with her partner, Korin Charlie Pokorny (also a Soto Zen Buddhist priest), their children, and numerous pets in Sonoma County.
Our Monday night programs begin with zazen (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.

For those who are joining us online:

Meeting ID for Monday Evenings: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82008151977
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.
The program will begin at 7pm with this approximate schedule: 30 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.
Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/unmute

Dharma Talk by Paravrtti Doralee Grindler Katonah (in-person & online)
2021-08-02 19:00 - 20:30
Paravrtti Doralee Grindler Katonah serves as Ino, or head of the meditation hall. She studied in the Soto Zen lineage with Sojun Diane Martin in Illinois and Rev. Val Szymanski in California. She was priest ordained in 2019 by Sojun Diane Martin. Doralee works as a clinical psychologist. (www.livingforwardwhole.com)
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.

For those who are joining us online:

Meeting ID for Monday Evenings: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82008151977
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.
The program will begin at 7pm with this approximate schedule: 30 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.
Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/unmute

Half-day Zazenkai, led by So-On Jim Hare (in-person OR online)
2021-08-07 08:30 - 12:30
This sitting may be on Zoom rather than outdoors at the Dharma Center as recently planned. In addition to heightened concerns about Covid, we are experiencing poor air quality due to fires in the Sierra. If these conditions continue on Saturday, the sitting will be held via Zoom. Please call or send an email for most recent venue information.
Zazenkai is a silent meditation retreat that doesn’t feature a Dharma talk. It is simply to go deeply into the practice of zazen; allowing silence and stillness to offer their blessings. The schedule will alternate six half-hour periods of sitting and walking meditation, with a short silent break in mid-morning.

If this is your first time practicing with us or your first half-day sitting, please call So-On Jim at 916-456-7752 to learn more about the day.

Register on Eventbrite.com

Introduction to Zen Meditation (online)
2021-08-09 18:00 - 18:40
On the second Monday of each month, we offer a 40-minute introduction to Zen practice. 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.
This class WILL BE HELD ONLINE BECAUSE OF CURRENT COVID-19 GUIDELINES. zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89078415062
Sign up for Weekly Emails to receive current program information.

Dharma Talk by Rev. Myo Lahey (in-person & online)
2021-08-09 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.
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.

Meeting ID for Monday Evenings: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82008151977
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.
The program will begin at 7pm with this approximate schedule: 30 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.
Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/unmute

Dharma Talk by So-On Jim Hare (in-person & online)
2021-08-16 19:00 - 20:30
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.
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.

Meeting ID for Monday Evenings: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82008151977
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.
The program will begin at 7pm with this approximate schedule: 30 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.
Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/unmute

Way-seeking Mind Talk by Dell Richards (in-person & online)
2021-08-23 19:00 - 20:30
Each of us has come to Zen practice as a seeker, with a spirit of inquiry, from diverse backgrounds. The idea of our way-seeking mind talks is for members to share how it is they came to practice. Each person tells his or her own story in a unique way that often blends autobiography, spiritual biography, and the practice questions that each is engaged with.

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.

Meeting ID for Monday Evenings: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82008151977
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.
The program will begin at 7pm with this approximate schedule: 30 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.
Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/unmute

Book Club (ONLINE)
2021-08-26 16:30 - 18:00
Our intention with this book club is to continue our inquiry into the relationship between white supremacy, white privilege and the Dharma. We will meet monthly on the fourth Thursday, with a book selected by the group. We will rotate facilitators. ALL ARE WELCOME.
Contact: Doralee Grindler Katonah at grindkaton@icloud.com or Linda Dekker at zendekker@gmail.com

Retreat Night (in-person & online)
2021-08-30 19:00 - 20:30
On Retreat Night we offer an opportunity to settle into your meditation practice with three 25-minute periods of zazen, interspersed with walking meditation (called kinhin). Turning the light inward we explore the causes of suffering and what can end it. This invitation is extended to everyone.

Our Monday night programs begin with zazen (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.
For those who are joining us online:

Meeting ID for Monday Evenings: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82008151977
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.
The program will begin at 7pm with this approximate schedule: 30 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.
Phone Controls: *9 = Raise hand; *6 = Mute/unmute

CLOSED for Labor Day Holiday
2021-09-06 19:00 - 21:00
