Program Inspired by Martin Luther King
2020-01-20 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Our discussion tonight will recognize and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Zen Studies Circle, led by So-On Jim Hare
2020-02-03 19:00 - 21:00

Buddhist Studies Circle, led by Tanto So-On Jim Hare
2020-02-24 19:00 - 21:00
The Wheel of Liberation, as taught in the Upanisa Sutra, describes the conditions that lead to the end of suffering. This wheel of “liberating” conditionality corresponds to the third and fourth noble truths, the truths that there is an end to suffering and that there is a path to the end of suffering.
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.

CANCELED - Practice Circle: Ecodharma, Glimpses into David Loy’s Radical Vision for Buddhist Practice, led by Doralee Grindler Katonah
2020-03-16 19:00 - 21:00
Due to our concern for the well-being of Sangha members and the larger community, we have decided to cancel our Monday evening programs through the month of March. We will continue to monitor the health advisories and keep you posted about upcoming events scheduled in April. We of course hope to be able to resume our regular programs as soon as advisable. In the meantime you can listen to our archived Dharma Talks. You may also enjoy online programs offered by San Francisco Zen Center.
We hope to reschedule this event when health advisories allow it.

The topic of this Practice Circle is based on David Loy’s book, A New Buddhist Path: Enlightenment, Evolution, and Ethics in the Modern World. Ino, Doralee Grindler Katonah, will introduce the topic in anticipation of our upcoming retreat and public talks with David Loy: April 17, Public Talk; April 18-19, Retreat; and April 20, Dharma Talk.

ONLINE PROGRAM: Zazen, Service, Dharma Talk & Discussion
2020-03-23 19:00 - 20:00
This is our first online meeting using the Zoom video conferencing app. The meeting will be hosted by Doralee Grindler Katonah in her “Personal Meeting Room” using her Zoom account. The software for attendees is free. The entire program will be about 1 hour.
Our chant will be the Heart of Great Perfect Wisdom Sutra (PDF).
**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.
Meeting ID# 8724696709
At 6:50 pm, join the meeting at: https://zoom.us/j/8724696709
If you cannot download or run the application, you can join from your browser. (We have not tried this option yet.)
We will start at 7pm with this schedule: 20 minute sitting; 5 minute chanting service; 10 minute Dharma talk by So-On Jim Hare; 25 minute Q&A/discussion/sharing – about 1 hour.

To join by telephone:

call +1 669 900 6833 (San Jose)
At the voice prompt, enter the Meeting ID: 8724696709

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 advisable.
You may also enjoy listening to our archived Dharma Talks, or online programs from Hartford Street Zen Center and San Francisco Zen Center

ONLINE PROGRAM: Zazen, Service, Dharma Talk & Discussion
2020-03-30 19:00 - 20:00
During the current health crisis, we will meet online using Zoom video conferencing software. The meetings will be hosted by Doralee Grindler Katonah. The software is free.
Tonight’s Chant is Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo
*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.
Meeting ID: 368405457
At 6:50 pm, join the meeting at: https://zoom.us/j/368405457
If you cannot download or run the application, you can join from your browser. (They say using Chrome works best.)
We will start at 7pm with this approximate schedule:
20 minute sitting; 5 minute chanting service; announcements; 10 minute Dharma talk & 25 minute Q&A/discussion/sharing – about 1 hour total.

*To join by telephone (audio only):

call 1 669 900 6833 (Milpitas)
At the voice prompt, enter the Meeting ID: 368405457
Controls for phone: *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.

ONLINE PROGRAM: Zazen, Service, Dharma Talk & Discussion
2020-04-06 19:00 - 20:00
During the current health crisis, we will meet online using Zoom video conferencing software. The meetings will be hosted by Doralee Grindler Katonah. The software is free. Download the chants at SFZC Chants in PDF.
*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.
Meeting ID: TBA and sent on weekly emails
At 6:50 pm, join the meeting at: https://zoom.us/j/550113240 ; 950815
We will start at 7pm with this approximate schedule:
20 minute sitting; 5 minute chanting service; 10 minute Dharma talk & 25 minute Q&A/discussion/sharing & announcements – about 1 hour total.

**From your telephone, tap once: +16699006833,,550113240# US (San Jose)
OR
Call 669 900 6833 (San Jose). At the prompt, enter 550113240#
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.

ONLINE PROGRAM: Zazen, Service, Dharma Talk & Discussion
2020-04-13 19:00 - 20:00, 2020-04-20 19:00 - 20:00
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; 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. Myo Lahey - ONLINE
2020-04-27 19:00 - 20:00
Our guiding teacher from Hartford Street Zen Center in San Francisco will join us online via Zoom video conferencing from his home temple.
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; 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 call 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.

What can the coronavirus teach us? A Buddhist perspective, by David Robert Loy (moved from April 20)
2020-05-04 19:00 - 20:30
Dr. David Loy will offer his teaching online using Zoom video conferencing software. Full instructions for joining by computer or phone will be sent via our Weekly Email. *You may offer a donation to the teacher by clicking on the Donate button at the bottom of this page.
David Robert Loy, PhD, is a professor, writer, and Zen teacher in the Sanbo Zen tradition of Japanese Zen Buddhism. He is a prolific author, whose essays and books have been translated into many languages. He is on the advisory boards of Buddhist Global Relief, the Clear View Project, Zen Peacemakers, and the Ernest Becker Foundation. David is especially concerned about social justice, activism, and ecological issues, and authored Ecodharma: Buddhist Teachings for the Precipice.

*To join the meeting by computer:

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: You must be on our mailing list to receive the Meeting ID. It will be sent to you in the Weekly Email on the day of the event.
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. (Chrome or Firefox works best.)

*To join by mobile phone (audio only):

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

Healing the World: Dharma talk by Konjin Gaelyn Godwin (online)
2020-05-11 19:00 - 20:00
Konjin Gaelyn Godwin, Abbot of Houston Zen Center, Director of the International Division of Soto Zen, and teacher in the Suzuki Roshi lineage will offer the Dharma Talk tonight. During the current 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. Myo Lahey (online)
2020-05-18 19:00 - 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.

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; 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.

Retreat Night (ONLINE)
2020-05-25 19:00 - 20:00
This is an opportunity to settle into your meditation practice at home and with the support of others. Our schedule tonight will be three 25-minute periods of zazen, interspersed with walking meditation. May you, with all beings be well.

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.)

*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 Talk by Paravrtti Doralee Grindler Katonah (ONLINE)
2020-06-01 19:00 - 20:00
“The Gift of Zazen is ILLIMITABLE! Don’t Waste Any Time!” In her talk Doralee will share encouragements for quickening our practice. Doralee serves as our Ino (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.
Doralee’s talk in PDF.

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, 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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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
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.

"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.
