This workshop will be dedicated to writing practices that honor the Buddhist path. We will practice techniques that illustrate the overlap between mindfulness training and expressive writing. Using material from the Abhidharma, Mahayana sutras and writings of Eihei Dogen, we will demonstrate how personal writing can enrich our study of the dharma and provide a […]
It's a virtual event! 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, meeting our two new Board members, adventuring into an ice-breaker game, and sharing ideas! President Doralee will review events of the past year, and Treasurer […]
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 […]
The ceremony of Jukai consists in receiving the precepts of the Bodhisattva and, by doing so, takes refuge in the three treasures: Buddha, Dharma, Sangha.
Welcome the new year by celebrating the treasure of sangha with your sangha friends. This will be an evening of sharing poetry, stories, and music. Our Monday night programs begin with zazen (meditation) followed by a devotional service and dharma talk, group discussion, practice circle or retreat night. There are no membership requirements to participate. We […]
This event has been moved to Sunday, May 1 at the Dharma Center.
Join the sangha and their families at the Dharma Center for a celebration of Shakyamuni Buddha's birth and to honor his mother, Queen Maya, who died shortly after his birth. We will ceremoniously bathe the baby Buddha; then have a dramatic reading of Norman Fischer’s Buddha’s Birthday poem. • Bring a picnic lunch and drinks […]
Preparing a Sincere Offering to the Three Treasures: A Creative Exploration of Dogen's Instructions for the Cook Please join us for a day of mindful practice to explore Dogen’s teachings for cooking your life in a creative and experiential way. It is said that “bodhicitta is born of the smallest offering made with sincerity.” In […]
BIPOC Sangha is pleased to welcome Professor Rhonda Magee for "Reflections on Engaged Mindfulness: The Inner Work of Confronting Social Injustice in a Time of Distress" *This program is for BIPOC practitioners. REGISTER FOR THIS ONLINE PROGRAM Rhonda Magee, MA, JD has dedicated her life to healing and teaching that inspires personal, interpersonal and collective transformation. Professor […]
Rhonda Magee, MA, JD joins us on zoom with reflections on the inner work of confronting social injustice in a time of distress. She is an internationally recognized educator, author, and practice leader, focused on integrating mindfulness into social change. She draws from Buddhist teachings, law and legal history, weaving together storytelling, poetry, analysis and […]
The ceremony of Jukai consists in receiving the precepts of the Bodhisattva and, by doing so, takes refuge in the three treasures: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. It is the ceremony for lay ordination. Preceptor Rev. Myo Lahey, together with So'on Jim Hare, will convey the precepts to sangha members Brendan O'Brien and Tony Wallin-Sato. A […]
Join Valley Streams Sangha Board of Directors for a Sunday potluck brunch to celebrate Valley Streams' 20th Anniversary. Spouses, partners, friends and family---are all invited. Gather at 10 am to share a meal and each others' company. After a fun social mixer, President Doralee Grindler Katonah will introduce the 2022-2023 Board and give a report […]