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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Following up on January's half-day, we'll explore the next lines in the Song of the Jewel Mirror Samadhi and their guidance for our practice. This retreat day will be led by So'on Jim Hare. The day will include periods of sitting and walking meditation, morning Dharma talk and afternoon Q&A/discusson. Jim will be available for […]
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 […]
The SDC Library Committee is excited to announce that we are throwing a debut party to celebrate over two years of volunteer work. Our library of more than 1,600 Buddhist related titles has been reorganized and catalogued online. **Please join us as we mark this accomplishment and share SDC’s resource! Highlights include: Introduction to the […]
This half-day retreat will include zazen, walking meditation (kinhin), a Dharma talk by Nyokai Kristin Diggs, and a social lunch to follow. Nyokai Kristin Diggs joined our sangha as Teacher in 2026. Prior to moving to Sacramento, she trained residentially at all three San Francisco Zen Center temples (2014-2025), holding a number of senior positions, […]
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 […]