“…when we practice zazen, it is not that big mind is actually controlling small mind, but simply that when small mind becomes calm, big mind starts its true activity.” ~Suzuki Roshi For the third year, Valley Streams Zen is offering a two-and-a half day non-residential sesshin. This is an opportunity to set aside daily concerns, […]
“…when we practice zazen, it is not that big mind is actually controlling small mind, but simply that when small mind becomes calm, big mind starts its true activity.” ~Suzuki Roshi For the third year, Valley Streams Zen is offering a two-and-a half day non-residential sesshin. This is an opportunity to set aside daily concerns, […]
“…when we practice zazen, it is not that big mind is actually controlling small mind, but simply that when small mind becomes calm, big mind starts its true activity.” ~Suzuki Roshi For the third year, Valley Streams Zen is offering a two-and-a half day non-residential sesshin. This is an opportunity to set aside daily concerns, […]
Welcome the new year by celebrating the treasure of sangha with your sangha friends! After meditation & service, join us for tea and conversation. Taking care of the Sangha is a treasure to appreciate along with Buddha and Dharma. Please bring a finger food offering, and poetry, story, or music to share (if you wish).
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 […]
Join us for this shared opportunity for growth and development, co-led by Doralee Grindler Katonah and Linda Dekker. We will come together for one hour, with a guided writing time as the preamble to a 20-minute zazen practice; followed by another guided writing time, and then time to share. With pens and silent stillness, we […]
Led by Doralee Grindler Katonah and Linda Dekker. Coming together online for one hour, with a guided writing time as the preamble to a 20-minute zazen practice together, followed by another guided writing time and then time to share. The sharing time will be facilitated with practice circle guidelines – silent listening with no cross […]
In this unprecedented time, a writing practice can help sustain a sense of orientation within the chaos. We can discern awareness of the First Noble Truth through articulation of our personal challenges, behaviors, feelings, and reactions to events. Expressive writing helps us both stay with and let go of the enormous pressure of current changes […]
Bring your coffee or tea and a pastry and spend a relaxed Sunday morning catching up with Sangha friends, hearing the latest news from VSZS Board members, and sharing your ideas! President Doralee will review the past year's events and Treasurer Larry Smith will present the Sangha's financial report. We will assemble in our Zoom […]
Welcome the new year by celebrating the treasure of sangha with your sangha friends - albeit virtually this year! This will be an evening of sharing poetry, stories, or music, with time to visit in small groups on Zoom. One and all are welcome! Program Schedule During the Covid-19 pandemic, we will meet online using […]
This half-day sitting (9 am - noon) will be followed by a Jizo Ceremony to celebrate the arrival of McKinsey Shrader, Joshua and Laura Shrader's soon-to-be-born second daughter. Rev. Doralee Grindler Katonah will offer the dharma talk and lead this special ceremony. Jizo, known as the 'Earth Store' or 'Earth Womb' Bodhisattva, embodies and transmits […]
Beloved sangha member Bruce Baccei left us one year ago. The sangha invites you to share memories of Bruce with a walk or bike ride, followed by picnic lunch. • CSUS Alumni Grove, on campus near Hornet Bookstore along American River • 10:30 am - walking or bike riding together • 11:30 am - Bring your own […]