Dharma Talk by Rev. Myo Lahey
2018-03-19 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Rev. Myō 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. A Dharma heir of Tenshin Reb Anderson, Myō is a sometime board member of the Soto Zen Buddhist Association of North America (SZBA) and also serves as its Treasurer. Rev. Myō is available for individual practice discussion by appointment.
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, 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.

Retreat Night
2018-03-26 19:00 - 21:00
Retreat night consists of three 25-minute sitting periods with walking meditation in between. All are welcome.

"Expressing Our Gratitude"
2018-04-02 19:00 - 21:00
Presented by So On Jim Hare and Doralee Grindler Katonah.
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, 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 - One-day Sitting and Spring Workday
2018-04-07

Buddha's Birthday Sitting and Ceremony
2018-04-09 19:00 - 21:00
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, 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.

Dharma Talk by Rev. Myo Lahey
2018-04-16 19:00 - 21:00
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 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 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.

CANCELLED - One Day Sitting with Reb Anderson
2018-04-21 09:00 - 16:30

Introduction to Yogacara (1st of 3 lectures)
2018-04-23 19:00 - 21:00
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 “middle way” and is associated with teachings on emptiness. Yogacara variously translates as “yoga practice,” “mind-only,” or “representation-only.” Yogacara focuses on the central function of consciousness as the shaper/creator of reality, going so far as to teach that there is no external world, there is “only consciousness.” You can see the influence of Yogacara teaching in this poem by Han Shan:
Who takes the Cold Mountain Road takes a road that never ends
the rivers are long and piled with rocks
the streams are wide and choked with grass
it’s not the rain that makes the moss slick
and it’s not the wind that makes the pines moan
who can get past the tangles of the world
and sit with me in the clouds
Our lecture series, presented by So On Jim Hare over three weeks, will give an introduction/overview of the Yogacara school, a session discussing one of the seminal sutras of the school, and a session introducing a set of verses that were composed in the 5th Century to convey the essence of the school’s teachings.
For advance study, these books may be helpful:
Inside Vasubandhu’s Yogacara, by Ben Connelly.
The Third Turning of the Wheel (chapter 8), by Tenshin Reb Anderson.

Introduction to Yogacara (2nd of 3 lectures)
2018-04-30 19:00 - 21:00
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 “middle way” and is associated with teachings on emptiness. Yogacara variously translates as “yoga practice,” “mind-only,” or “representation-only.” Yogacara focuses on the central function of consciousness as the shaper/creator of reality, going so far as to teach that there is no external world, there is “only consciousness.” You can see the influence of Yogacara teaching in this poem by Han Shan:
Who takes the Cold Mountain Road takes a road that never ends
the rivers are long and piled with rocks
the streams are wide and choked with grass
it’s not the rain that makes the moss slick
and it’s not the wind that makes the pines moan
who can get past the tangles of the world
and sit with me in the clouds
Our lecture series, presented by So On Jim Hare over three weeks, will give an introduction/overview of the Yogacara school, a session discussing one of the seminal sutras of the school, and a session introducing a set of verses that were composed in the 5th Century to convey the essence of the school’s teachings.
For advance study, these books may be helpful:
Inside Vasubandhu’s Yogacara, by Ben Connelly.
The Third Turning of the Wheel, by Tenshin Reb Anderson.

Seeing / Drawing Meditation Retreat
2018-05-05 09:00 - 16:00
In drawing, we have an opportunity to set aside our egos while becoming one with the object. The investigation takes us into the essence of the object, seeing it as it truly is. This is not an art class per se, and no prior drawing experience is required. What is asked for is our willingness to deeply observe, connect our eyes with our hearts and hands, and open to whatever may emerge. This mostly silent day will include periods of meditation and movement. Weather permitting, we will work outdoors.
Led by Karen Hamilton and Barb Baccei.
Please bring a bag lunch.
$20 plus $10 for materials. Scholarships are available.
Please contact info@valleystreamszen.org
REGISTER at eventbrite.com

Introduction to Yogacara (3rd of 3 lectures)
2018-05-07 19:00 - 21:00

Retreat Night
2018-05-14 19:00 - 21:00
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 invitation is extended to everyone.
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 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.

Dharma Talk by Rev. Kyosho Valorie Beer
2018-05-21 19:00 - 21:00
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 (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 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.

CLOSED for Memorial Day holiday.
2018-05-28 19:00 - 21:00
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 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.

Mind of Compassion, Body of Support
2018-06-02 09:00 - 16:00
A Day of Zen Meditation, Buddhist Teaching & Yoga, taught by Kyosho Valorie Beer and Barbara Baccei
Immerse yourself in a day of traditional Buddhism and alignment Yoga. From Buddhism’s Four Foundations of Mindfulness, you will be guided in identifying long-held emotional patterns and the way they show up in your body. Meditation allows us to study our interpretations of the body’s experience as pain and pleasure. Yoga reveals the visceral connection integrating mind and body together for the relief of suffering. Find ease in your body-mind. Live in the world with more compassion for yourself and others. An adaptive approach for people of all genders, backgrounds, abilities and disabilities.
Kyosho Valorie Beer has practiced Zen Buddhism since 1991. She ordained as a priest in 2005 and received dharma transmission in 2013 from her teacher Edward Espe Brown. She is a visiting teacher for San Francisco Zen Center’s Branching Streams sanghas.
Barbara Baccei has practiced yoga since 1990. She was teacher certified in 1997. She divides her time between Sacramento and Berkeley, practicing and teaching, and completing training through The Berkeley Yoga Room

No meditation or yoga experience required.
Please bring a sack lunch and yoga mat.
Fee: $0-$60 sliding scale
Information: Barbbaccei@gmail.com
REGISTER at Eventbrite.com

Practice Circle led by Doralee Grindler Katonah
2018-06-04 19:00 - 21:00
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 Shine One Corner of the World – Moments with Shunyru Suzuki, p.12)
The Buddha spoke of the causes of suffering to be clinging and turning away, and especially clinging to self and avoiding no self. Zazen releases these opposites and yet this isn’t easy. Trying not to cling could become turning away and turning towards could become a form of clinging.

In this practice circle we will inquire: What is our practice showing us about this truth? How do we give whatever arises its freedom?

Practice Circle Guidelines (as adapted from the Zen Center of Los Angeles):
When speaking, we practice speaking from integrity and speak the truth as we know it. We stay focused on our own experience as opposed to taking about others or talking abstractly.
In listening, we try not to interrupt, even with our thoughts. We practice receiving whatever is being offered by another without attachments or judgements.
In silence, we allow all things to arise and pass away, accepting and honoring different expressions and perspectives. We sit with our discomfort.

Study Group - The Heart Sutra
2018-06-07 08:00 - 09:00
Study is one of the pillars of Zen practice. Please join us every Thursday morning for our ongoing study group to discuss ancient and contemporary texts.

Facilitated by Rev. So On Jim Hare.
Current text: Living by Vow: A Practical Introduction to Eight Essential Zen Chants and Texts by Shohaku Okamura.
Heart of Great Perfect Wisdom Sutra
Contact Rollin Ives (twl4148@gmail.com) for details.

Japanese Temple Pilgrimage, presented by Sarah O'Gara
2018-06-11 19:00 - 21:00
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 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.

Tea Ceremony with Misha Merrill
2018-06-17 11:00 - 12:00
Misha Merrill is the primary teacher for Zen Heart Sangha in Menlo Park and Woodside, California and has been practicing Zen since 1984. She was ordained as a Zen priest in 1988 and received Dharma Transmission in 1998 from her teacher, Les Kaye Roshi, the abbot of Kannon Do Zen Center and dharma heir in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, the founder of San Francisco Zen Center.
Suggested donation: $20 – $30.
Register on Eventbrite

Dharma Talk by Rev. Myo Lahey
2018-06-18 19:00 - 21:00
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
2018-06-25 19:00 - 21:00
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.

Dharma Talk by So On Jim Hare
2018-07-02 19:00 - 21:00
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, and priest ordained by Myo Lahey in 2016.

Half-day Sitting, led by Rev. So On Jim Hare
2018-07-07 08:30 - 12:30
Like a Snake in a Bamboo Tube – a half-day Zen sitting and Dharma talk

“Putting a snake in a bamboo tube” is an old simile for zazen. Just as the snake naturally wants to wiggle and not be confined, so we often have a problem holding ourselves still. Even when we stop the body, the mind continues to move. So over and over again, we practice patience with our wiggly nature. Sitting and walking, sitting and walking is an excellent method for realizing stillness. We hope you will join us.
REGISTER AT EVENTBRITE.COM

Photographs will be taken after the sitting.
Please bring a bag lunch if you would like to stay for informal lunch after the sitting.

*Our one-day and half-day sittings are generally held on the first Saturday of every month.

Practice Talk by Doralee Grindler Katonah
2018-07-09 19:00 - 21:00

Study Group - CANCELLED
2018-07-12 08:00 - 09:00
Thursday morning Study Group is cancelled this week due to conflicting activities. Please join us next Thursday morning.

Facilitated by Rev. So On Jim Hare.
Current text: Living by Vow: A Practical Introduction to Eight Essential Zen Chants and Texts by Shohaku Okamura.
Heart of Great Perfect Wisdom Sutra
Contact Rollin Ives (twl4148@gmail.com) for details.

Tassajara Study Week - Presentation
2018-07-16 19:00 - 21:00
Tassajara was established in 1967 as the first Soto Zen training monastery outside of Japan. It offers monastic training periods during the fall and winter months, and each year from May to September, Tassajara, or Zenshinji (Zen Heart-Mind Temple), opens its gates to students and guests alike for the summer guest season. This year, ten members of Valley Streams Zen Sangha were invited to join with resident and guest students for 5 days of formal practice, work and play. Tonight we will hear about their experiences there.

Dharma Talk by Rev. Myo Lahey
2018-07-23 19:00 - 21:00
Rev. Myō 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. Myō is available for individual practice discussion by appointment prior to our evening program.

NOTE: We would like to take some (staged) photographs tonight for use on our website.

Poetry Night, led by Linda Dekker
2018-07-30 19:00 - 21:00
Sangha member, Linda Dekker, will lead us in an evening of reading and writing poetry.

Half-Day Sangha Work Practice, led by Linda Dekker
2018-08-04 09:00 - 12:00
“Work as meditation” illustrates how work is just as important a time for mindfulness practice as sitting zazen or walking meditation. In work as meditation, there isn’t too much need for thinking, planning or conceptualizing. While effort is made to do what we are doing efficiently and beautifully, we needn’t hurry or worry about how much is getting done. In not rushing to get the dishes washed or the carpets vacuumed, we have an opportunity to just appreciate the work for what it is—a thoroughgoing engagement with our life in the moment.
We will begin the day with a period of zazen; then pick up our tools with silent intention. Please join us, and bring a bag lunch to stay for social time in our freshly cleaned center!
To register, email zendekker@gmail.com

CANCELLED: One-day Sitting with Zenju Earthlyn Manuel
2018-08-04 09:00 - 17:00
We are sorry that Zenju has had to cancel this retreat with us due to illness.
