Calendar

Buddha’s Birthday Sitting and Ceremony

Tonight we celebrate the birth of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni with a special ceremony. Our Monday night programs usually begin with zazen (sitting meditation), followed by a short devotional service, dharma talk, group discussion, or practice circle. There are no membership requirements to participate. We invite donations to support the room rental, visits by teachers, […]

Dharma Talk by Rev. Myo Lahey

Rev. Myo Lahey is Abbot at Hartford Street Zen Center in San Francisco, as well as Guiding Teacher at Valley Streams Zen Sangha. He has previously served as Practice Leader at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center. He is a Dharma heir of Tenshin Reb Anderson.  Rev. Myo is available for individual practice discussion by appointment. Our Monday night programs always […]

Introduction to Yogacara (1st of 3 lectures)

Yogacara and Madhyamaka are two schools of Indian Buddhism closely associated with the rise of Mahayana Buddhism in the centuries following the life of the Buddha.  These schools were active during the period that Buddhism entered China (1st century or before), making them influential in the development of Chinese Buddhism and Zen.  Madhyamaka translates as […]

Introduction to Yogacara (2nd of 3 lectures)

Yogacara and Madhyamaka are two schools of Indian Buddhism closely associated with the rise of Mahayana Buddhism in the centuries following the life of the Buddha.  These schools were active during the period that Buddhism entered China (1st century or before), making them influential in the development of Chinese Buddhism and Zen.  Madhyamaka translates as […]

Introduction to Yogacara (3rd of 3 lectures)

Yogacara and Madhyamaka are two schools of Indian Buddhism closely associated with the rise of Mahayana Buddhism in the centuries following the life of the Buddha.  These schools were active during the period that Buddhism entered China (1st century or before), making them influential in the development of Chinese Buddhism and Zen.  Madhyamaka translates as […]

Retreat Night

Rev. Myo Lahey will not be meeting with us tonight as originally scheduled. We will instead enjoy our traditional retreat night; a chance to settle into our practice with three 25 minute periods of zazen, interspersed with walking meditation (kinhin). Turning the light inward we explore the causes of suffering and what ends it. This […]

Dharma Talk by Rev. Kyosho Valorie Beer

Rev. Kyosho Valorie Beer is an itinerant teacher for SF Zen Center’s Branching Streams sanghas. She received dharma transmission from Edward Brown in 2013. In addition to leading retreats, Valorie is a teacher for sewing Buddha’s Robe, sutra copying, practicing with aging, and writing as a spiritual practice. Our Monday night programs always begin with zazen […]

CLOSED for Memorial Day holiday.

Please enjoy the holiday with family and friends. Our Monday night programs always begin with zazen (sitting meditation). Additional offerings include a devotional service, dharma talks by visiting teachers, group discussions, practice circles and retreat nights. There are no membership requirements to participate. We invite donations to support the room rental, visits by teachers, and […]

Practice Circle led by Doralee Grindler Katonah

Letting Go and Turning Towards ~ The pathway to freedom from suffering. 'A student at Tassajara sat facing Suzuki Roshi on a tatami mat in his room. The student said he couldn’t stop snacking in the kitchen and asked what he should do. Suzuki reached under his table, “Here, have some jelly beans,” he said.' (from To […]

Japanese Temple Pilgrimage, presented by Sarah O’Gara

Sangha member and board member, Sarah O'Gara, will share some of her adventures in Japan during her trip to visit many Buddhist temples. Our Monday night programs always begin with zazen (sitting meditation). Additional offerings include a devotional service, dharma talks by visiting teachers, group discussions, practice circles and retreat nights. There are no membership […]

Dharma Talk by Rev. Myo Lahey

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

Zazen & Full Moon Ceremony

This ceremony is an affirmation of the vow to live for the benefit of all beings. In the Zen tradition we associate the full moon with the ideal of awakening.  All are welcome.