Study Group (Hybrid)
2025-11-20 08:00 - 09:00, 2025-12-04 08:00 - 09:00, 2025-12-11 08:00 - 09:00, 2025-12-18 08:00 - 09:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
The Zen Study Group meets at the Sacramento Dharma Center and on Zoom. The study group is facilitated by Rev. So’on Jim Hare, with readings from ancient and contemporary Mahayana Buddhist & Soto Zen texts and commentaries.
To join the Thursday morning study group, email the coordinator, Rollin Ives, twl4148@gmail.com

Gratitude Dinner for the Sangha (In Person Only)
2025-11-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
As an expression of our deeply felt gratitude for the Sangha and the myriad ways its members support us and each other, the Valley Streams Board will offer dinner to all those who can join us on Monday, November 24.
Dinner will be provided by the board. What better way to enjoy Thanksgiving week than with one less meal to prepare? We’ll begin at 6:00 p.m. with a short sit and chant/dedication. Dinner in the break room will follow.

CLOSED for Thanksgiving Holiday
2025-11-27 | CA
Thursday morning zazen and Study Group will not be meeting today. We will gather again next week.

Rohatsu Sesshin – Opening Evening Program (Online Only)
2025-11-30 19:30 - 20:45 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
During Rohatsu sesshin we celebrate Shakyamuni Buddha’s enlightment by dedicating ourselves to zazen practice. As the darkest days of the year approach, we sit together with the principle of awakening, fully opening to the ‘wisdom beyond wisdom’ that becomes bright in sitting meditation.
This year’s Rohatsu will be co-led by So’on Jim Hare and Paravritti Doralee Grindler Katonah. The teaching will be based on the Sattipatthana Sutra, the sutra on the four establishments or foundations of mindfullness.
This retreat is offered partly online and partly in-person. The in-person days include formal Oryoki meals for lunch and dinner. There will be Dharma talks on days 2, 6, 7, and 8. For more information or to request a reduced fee or scholarship, please contact us at info@valleystreamszen.org.
Note that this retreat is intended for experienced practitioners. Participants should have a regular sitting practice and have attended several one-day retreats at Valley Streams or elsewhere. There will be instruction in Oryoki meal practice for those not familiar with it.
Register for week-long program on Eventbrite

Sunday Schedule:
7:30 pm Welcome and Orientation
8:00 pm Zazen
8:30 pm Refuges (PDF)

Rohatsu Sesshin Morning Program (Online Only)
2025-12-01 06:00 - 07:30, 2025-12-02 06:00 - 07:30, 2025-12-03 06:00 - 07:30 | ONLINE via Zoom
Morning Rohatsu schedule for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday – ONLINE
6:00 am Zazen
6:30 am Kinhin
6:40 am Zazen
7:10 am Service (VSZS Sutras and Texts)
This traditional week of intensified practice celebrates the enlightenment of our original teacher in India, Shakyamuni Buddha. Rohatsu sesshin is a time for bringing light into the dark time of the year and for celebrating Buddha’s awakening, which is our awakening too.

Dharma Talk by Rev. So’on Jim Hare (Hybrid, Speaker in Person)
2025-12-01 19:00 - 21:00 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Rev. 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, and was priest ordained by Rev. Myo Lahey in 2016.
*Zoom link to program
Our Monday night programs begin with zazen (sitting meditation) followed by a devotional service and 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. If this is your first visit please arrive at least 15 minutes early for a brief orientation.
Chants:
Hymn to the Perfection of Wisdom / Heart of Great Perfect Wisdom

Rohatsu Sesshin Evening Program (Online Only)
2025-12-02 17:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-03 17:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-04 17:00 - 21:00 | ONLINE via Zoom
Evening Rohatsu schedule for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday – ONLINE
5:00 pm Zazen
5:30 pm Service
Break/Dinner
7:30 pm Zazen
8:00 pm Kinhin
8:10 pm Zazen
8:40 pm Refuges (PDF)
This traditional week of intensified practice celebrates the enlightenment of our original teacher in India, Shakyamuni Buddha. Rohatsu sesshin is a time for bringing light into the dark time of the year and for celebrating Buddha’s awakening, which is our awakening too.

Rohatsu Sesshin Morning Program (Hybrid)
2025-12-04 06:00 - 07:30 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Morning Rohatsu schedule for Thursday – HYBRID
6:00 am Zazen
6:30 am Kinhin
6:40 am Zazen
7:10 am Service
Register for week-long program on Eventbrite
This traditional week of intensified practice celebrates the enlightenment of our original teacher in India, Shakyamuni Buddha. Rohatsu sesshin is a time for bringing light into the dark time of the year and for celebrating Buddha’s awakening, which is our awakening too.

Rohatsu Sesshin Full Day Sitting (In Person Only)
2025-12-05 08:30 - 20:45, 2025-12-06 08:30 - 20:45 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Full-Day Sitting – In Person – 8:30 am – 8:45 pm
This sitting will be in person at the Dharma Center and will not be offered on Zoom. Traditional oryoki meals will be served at noon and for the “medicine meal” in the evening.
Register for week-long program on Eventbrite
This traditional week of intensified practice celebrates the enlightenment of our original teacher in India, Shakyamuni Buddha. Rohatsu sesshin is a time for bringing light into the dark time of the year and for celebrating Buddha’s awakening, which is our awakening too.

Rohatsu Sesshin Half-Day Sitting and Buddha’s Enlightenment Ceremony (In Person Only)
2025-12-07 08:30 - 12:00 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Half-day Sitting – In Person – 8:30 am – 12 noon.
Today concludes the seven days of intensive practice with a half-day sitting and the Buddha’s Enlightenment Ceremony.
We will gather after the ceremony to share a buffet lunch.
Register for week-long program on Eventbrite
This traditional week of intensified practice celebrates the enlightenment of our original teacher in India, Shakyamuni Buddha. Rohatsu sesshin is a time for bringing light into the dark time of the year and for celebrating Buddha’s awakening, which is our awakening too.

Introduction to Zen Meditation (In Person Only)
2025-12-08 18:00 - 18:40 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
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.
Following the instruction the Valley Streams Zen Sangha meets for a 30-minute meditation in the Dharma Hall followed by a 10-minute service and Dharma talk. You are invited to stay for these events after the instruction.
* Meets in the Library at Sacramento Dharma Center.
Sign up for Weekly Emails to receive current program information.

Full Moon Ceremony (Hybrid)
2025-12-08 19:00 - 21:00 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
The Full Moon Ceremony acknowledges the karma created by our intentional actions, and reminds us to renew our commitment to the ethical conduct expressed as the 16 Bodhisattva Precepts. These are guiding principles for our daily conduct in the world. This ceremony is rooted in a ritual from pre-Buddhist India. To prepare for the ceremony there are two 25 minutes meditation periods separated by 10 minutes of walking meditation. All are welcome to participate.
*Full Moon Ceremony Chants
*Zoom link to program
Our Monday night programs begin with zazen (sitting meditation) followed by a devotional service and 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. If this is your first visit please arrive at least 15 minutes early for a brief orientation.

Morning Zazen and Service (Hybrid)
2025-12-11 06:00 - 07:30, 2025-12-18 06:00 - 07:30, 2026-01-08 06:00 - 07:30 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Join us for two periods of zazen (seated meditation) and kinhin (walking meditation), or just the first or second second meditation periods, as your schedule allows.
6:00 am – Zazen (sitting meditation)
6:30 am – Kinhin (walking meditation)
6:40 am – Zazen
7:10 am – Morning Service
Please arrive a few minutes before the beginning of each period to take your seat in the zendo or, if arriving via Zoom, to allow the AV person time to admit you. If you arrive on Zoom after the beginning of the sit, the AV person will not admit latecomers until the beginning of the next period. Stay for a cup of tea after service if you join in person.
•Zoom meeting link
•Chants used in our morning service (SFZC website)

Dharma Talk by Rev. So’on Jim Hare (Hybrid, Speaker in Person)
2025-12-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Rev. 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, and was priest ordained by Rev. Myo Lahey in 2016.
*Zoom link to program
We offer a Well-Being Ceremony on the third Monday of every month to remember friends, family, neighbors, pets and people of the world who are ill, facing a recent loss, or struggling with some difficulty in their lives. Please send the names of those you wish to be remembered to: Parāvrtti Doralee Grindler Katonah (Ino@valleystreamszen.org) by the Sunday evening prior.
Our Monday night programs begin with zazen (sitting meditation) followed by a devotional service and 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. If this is your first visit please arrive at least 15 minutes early for a brief orientation.

Winter Solstice Celebration (Hybrid)
2025-12-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Celebrate the winter solstice with sangha friends.
After a 35-minute meditation and service, we will gather to entertain each other on this long winter night with instruments, song, favorite poetry new and old, stories and skits. Bring your creativity and share your hidden talents. Bring a treat to share after the entertainment.
Zoom link to program
Our Monday night programs begin with zazen (sitting meditation) followed by a devotional service and 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. If this is your first visit please arrive at least 15 minutes early for a brief orientation.

CLOSED for Christmas Holiday
2025-12-25 | Valley Streams Zen Sangha, Sacramento Dharma Center 3111 Wisseman Dr., Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States

End of Year Sitting (Hybrid)
2025-12-29 19:00 - 21:00 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
We will sit two zazen periods accompanied by the ringing of 108 bells. Each hit represents one of the delusions/desires that anchor our lives in the world of birth and death. This is a sobering practice that reminds us of the importance of practicing for the welfare of suffering beings. Sangha members will be invited to ring the final bells at the end of the sitting, with social time to follow.

CLOSED for New Year's Day
2026-01-01 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States

"When arrow points meet head-on" - Half-day Sitting led by Rev. So’on Jim Hare (In Person Only)
2026-01-03 08:30 - 12:30 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Our January half-day retreat will include zazen, walking meditation (kinhin), a Dharma talk by So’on Jim Hare, and a social lunch to follow.

In his Dharma talk, Rev. So’on will discuss the ancient Chinese story referenced in the line, “When arrow points meet head-on, what has this to do with the power of skill” (from Song of the Jewel Mirror Samadhi) and its meaning for our practice. At the conclusion, we will enjoy our bag lunches and conversation.
Attendance is available on a sliding scale from $10 to $50. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Please bring a bag lunch if you intend to stay for lunch.
If this will be your first extended sitting with us, please send us a note at info@valleystreamszen.org to introduce yourself.

Please register here.

Relinquishment Ceremony led by Rev. Parāvṛtti Doralee Grindler Katonah (Hybrid, Speaker in Person)
2026-01-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Our practice of relinquishment is our practice of liberation. Our Way of liberation is to release all that is in the way of our full aliveness and our capacity to express the dharma in the situations that come to us.
This Monday evening, we will reflect on letting go of patterns and ‘habits of being’ that bring suffering to ourselves and others. We will renew our intention to let go of what constricts our full aliveness through making a scroll that expresses what we intend to relinquish during this next year.
Art materials will be provided. A time to share or remain in noble silence will follow the art project, ending in offering our scrolls to the Buddha. You will be invited to take your scroll home for your altar or to be burned as another expression of letting go.
People coming on zoom will bring their own paper and drawing utensils. For questions contact: Ino@valleystreamszen.org
Rev. Parāvrtti 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.
*Zoom link to program
Our Monday night programs begin with zazen (sitting meditation) followed by a devotional service and 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. If this is your first visit please arrive at least 15 minutes early for a brief orientation.
