Jizo is the beloved Great Bodhisattva found within many Buddhist traditions, who carries us across the threshold of death and loss and safely accompanies us through the ‘hell zones’ of deep suffering. Especially honored in Japan, Jizo (also known as ‘Earth Store’ or ‘Earth Womb’) brings to us the qualities of courage, fearlessness, and tenderness needed […]
Rev. So'on Jim Hare will lead a half-day sit in the morning with a special service at noon for the ceremonial washing of the Baby Buddha statue and the chanting of the Buddha's Birthday Eko in gratitude for Queen Maya's sacrifice. Buddha's birthday is celebrated in Japan on April 8th. In south and southeast Asia […]
Come, monk* The ceremony of Shukke Tokudo consists in receiving the precepts of the Bodhisattva and, by doing so, taking refuge in the three treasures: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. It is the ceremony for priest ordination. Preceptor Rev. Kyōshō Valorie Beer will convey the precepts to sangha member Clement Spring and will ordain him as a Soto Zen priest in […]
Kyōji Linda Dekker Kyōji Linda Dekker was a founder of Valley Streams Zen Sangha and of the Sacramento Dharma Center. She served on the Boards of SBMG, Valley Streams, and the Dharma Center and incorporated all three organizations as nonprofits. Linda served on the Sacramento Dharma Center Board for over 8 years, […]
Sho Kan Clement Spring was recently priest ordained to by Rev. Kyosho Valorie Beer. He has served as the treasurer for the Valley Streams Board of Directors and formerly as Head Doan. Our Monday night programs begin with zazen (sitting meditation) followed by a devotional service and dharma talk, group discussion, practice circle or retreat […]
Hozan Alan Senauke will lead a discussion on the future among all our sanghas and the Sacramento Dharma Center. Bring your questions, concerns, and thoughts about YOUR vision of the future of the Sacramento Dharma Center. Hozan is also a musician, and as a bonus, promises some musical entertainment! Hozan Alan Senauke has been an […]
Join the Valley Streams for a Sunday potluck brunch and Annual Meeting. Spouses, partners, friends, and family---all are invited. Gather at 10 am to share a meal and each other's company. After a fun social mixer, President Dave Jarrell will introduce the 2023-2024 Board and give a report on the state of the sangha. We […]
Our Sejiki, or food-offering, ceremony is an opportunity to call forth the spirits of those who have passed this way before, offering them solace and acknowledging our ongoing connection to them. If you would like the name of a loved one who has died during the past year, recited in the ceremony, please send the full name of […]
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. We offer a […]
On Sunday evening December 31st, we will welcome the New Year at the Dharma Center with a silent sitting, walking meditation, and the traditional ringing of 108 bells. We hope to debut a new Densho bell of unknown provenance, acquired from Japan. The sitting will be from 7 to 9 p.m., followed by a quiet […]
EMBODYING OUR WILD SPIRIT ~ A Buddhist Women’s Retreat at Green Gulch Farm. Led by: Parāvṛtti Doralee Grindler Katonah, Ino and WaDen EiDo Barbara Baccei, Sensei Imagine connection, creativity, body practices, deep sharing, and other guided practices. Rev. Parāvṛtti Doralee Grindler Katonah serves as Ino, or head of the meditation hall. She studied in the Soto […]
Join the sangha for a private guided tour and a picnic lunch at the Cache Creek Nature Preserve. Cache Creek Nature Preserve is a 130-acre complex of wetlands, oak woodlands, grasslands, and creekside lands located outside of Woodland. The site is home to two unique features: the Tending and Gathering Garden (TGG) and the Jan […]