Valley Streams Zen Sangha

Seeing / Drawing Meditation Retreat
2018-05-05 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
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 (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.

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.

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

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.

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.

CANCELED - One-day Sitting and Spring Workday
2018-04-07

"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.

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.

Dharma Talk by Rev. Myo Lahey
2018-03-19 19:00 - 21:00
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.

Dharma Talk by Edward Espe Brown
2018-03-12 19:00 - 21:00
Edward Espe Brown is a well-known Soto Zen Buddhist teacher, author, and chef. He was ordained in 1971 by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, who gave him the Dharma name Jusan Kainei , “Longevity Mountain, Peaceful Sea.” He leads sitting groups and meditation retreats in Northern California and internationally.

BONUS: Please join us for a potluck supper with Rev. Brown at 5:30 pm at the Dharma Center.

Discussion: Jiaoan's Sand in the Eye
2018-03-05 19:00 - 21:00
Linda Dekker and Karen Hamilton will facilitate Koan Study. This will be an opportunity to get a taste of what we do in the Women Ancestors group which meets every third Thursday at 9 am. The Koan we will look at is Jiaoan’s Sand in the Eye, pp. 90-92 of The Hidden Lamp: Stories from Twenty-five Centeries of Awakened Women, ed. by Florence Caplow and Susan Moon. We chose this, in part, because the commentary is offered by Zenki Mary Mocine, who was scheduled to give a Dharma talk, but is unable to do so due to an injury.
The case:
Jiaoan was the niece of a high official of the Song dynasty. When she was young, she decided not to marry or bear children and she set her heart on the way of Chan. She experienced a clear awakening at the words of Master Yuanwu Keqin as he spoke to the assembly. Later, Yuanwu said to her, “You should go on to erase your views–then you will finally be free.”
She answered in verse:
The pillar pulls out the bone sideways;
the void shows its claws and fangs;
even if one profoundly understands,
there is still sand in the eye.

Half-day Sitting - "Throughout the body, hands and eyes."
2018-03-03 08:30 - 12:00
Sitting zazen is extending an invitation to great compassion. Not doing anything, yet compassion arises spontaneously, “like reaching back for a pillow at night,” according to one Zen story. On Saturday March 3rd, we’ll send invitations all morning, still and silent on our cushions, and moving in walking meditation. Our morning will include a short Dharma talk by Rev. So On Jim Hare, practice leader. If this is your first extended sitting with Valley Streams Zen Sangha, please call Jim at 916-456-7752 prior to registering. Our morning will be followed by a social bag lunch. Please bring your lunch and join us.
Register for the sitting.

Study Group on "The Harmony of Difference and Equality"
2018-03-01 08:00 - 09:00
Six Thursdays, 8 – 9 am • March 1 – April 5, 2018 • Led by Rev. So On Jim Hare
Using Shunryu Suzuki’s book, Branching Streams Flow in the Darkness as a guide, we will study the classic 8th century poem, Sandokai, “The Harmony of Difference and Equality.” We will also use the text by Shohaku Okumura, Living By Vow, chapter 7.

Space is limited to the first 10 who sign up. There is no fee, but we ask you to consider offering a donation to help support Valley Streams Zen and the Sacramento Dharma Center.
Please bring your own copy of Branching Streams Flow in the Darkness.
To Register: email Rollin Ives TWL4148@gmail.com

Dharma Talk by So On Jim Hare
2018-02-26 19:00 - 21:00
Our guiding teacher Rev. Myo Lahey from Hartford Street Zen Center in San Francisco is unable join us this evening due to illness. In his place, practice leader, Jim Hare will comment on and lead a discussion on Case 94 of the Book of Serenity, “Dongshan is Unwell”.

Discussion on Engaged Practice: What We Do in the World
2018-02-19 19:00 - 21:00
Our Presidents’ Day discussion will be led by So On Jim Hare, head of practice.
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. 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.

Expression with What is Arising: Practice Circle led by Doralee
2018-02-12 19:00 - 21:00
Sangha member and VSZS board president, Doralee Grindler Katonah, PsyD & MDiv, will lead our discussion.

Dharma Talk by So On Jim Hare
2018-02-05 19:00 - 21:00
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.

One-day Sitting, led by So On Jim Hare
2018-02-03 09:00 - 17:00
“Outwardly still while inwardly moving, like a tethered colt or a trapped rat, the ancient sages pitied them and bestowed the teachings.” – Song of the Jewel Mirror Samadhi
“Traps and snares can never reach it.” – Eihei Dogen, Fukanzazengi
The traps and snares of thinking and feeling often seem to block the way of calm, joyful sitting. How do we become free of these apparent obstacles? No one really knows, yet zazen keeps drawing us back to encounter our essential freedom. This one-day sitting provides another opportunity, supported by a schedule of sitting and walking meditation, Dharma talks, and noble silence throughout the day. Please arrive early so we can begin sitting promptly at 9 a.m. Bring a bag lunch. Everyone is welcome.
If this is your first one-day sitting, please call practice leader Jim Hare after January 28th and prior to registering. 916-456-7752.
REGISTER HERE

Full Moon Ceremony
2018-01-29 19:00 - 20:45
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 Rev. Myo Lahey
2018-01-22 19:00 - 21:00
We welcome our guiding teacher from Hartford Street Zen Center in San Francisco.

Discussion, led by Patti Mitchell
2018-01-15 19:00 - 21:00
Patti Mitchell will lead our discussion to recognize and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dharma Talk by Bob Rosenbaum
2018-01-08 19:00 - 21:00

Deep Listening as a Spiritual Practice, by Doralee Grindler Katonah
2018-01-06 09:00 - 12:30
Suzuki Roshi said practice is about “listening to ourselves.” This is not always so easy. Being truly understood by another helps us to listen within. In ordinary conversation, it is rare that we really listen to each other. When we feel heard, we comprehend something about ourselves that has been a mystery. In this workshop, Doralee Grindler Katonah will guide us through simple exercises to help us listen to each other with our whole bodies.
Sign up at a meeting or email Doralee at dgk@livingforwardwhole.com

Winter Celebration & Refreshments
2018-01-01 19:00 - 21:00
Welcome the new year by celebrating the treasure of sangha with your sangha! Please bring a finger food offering, and poetry, story, or music to share (if you wish).

CLOSED for Christmas Day Holiday
2017-12-25 19:00 - 21:00

Dharma Talk by Susan Moon
2017-12-18 19:00 - 21:00
Susan Moon is a writer, editor, and lay teacher in the Soto Zen tradition. She is the author of a number of books about Buddhism, including the humor book The Life and Letters of Tofu Roshi and This Is Getting Old: Zen Thoughts on Aging with Humor and Dignity. For many years she was the editor of Turning Wheel, the journal of socially engaged Buddhism. Her short stories and essays have been published widely. Her most recent book is most recent book is The Hidden Lamp: Stories from 25 Centuries of Awakened Women.
Sue has been a Zen student since 1976, practicing in the lineage of Suzuki Roshi at Berkeley Zen Center, Tassajara Zen Mountain Monastery, Green Gulch Farm, and now with Zoketsu Norman Fischer’s Everyday Zen sangha. She received “entrustment” as a lay teacher in 2005.

Tea & Discussion of SDC Envisioning
2017-12-11 19:00 - 21:00
After meditation & service, join us for tea and discussion. The evening will be devoted to responding to landscape plans envisioned for our home, the Sacramento Dharma Center. Lynelle McNeil, landscape architect, will be joining us.
Study her design options from your own computer: SDC Concepts Slideshow (PDF)

Tea & Discussion of SDC Envisioning
2017-12-04 19:00 - 21:00
After meditation & service, join us for tea and discussion. The evening will be devoted to responding to building plans envisioned for our home, the Sacramento Dharma Center.

3-day Rohatsu Sesshin
2017-12-01 09:00 - 2017-12-03 12:00
“…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 it true activity.” ~Suzuki Roshi
For the first time Valley Streams Zen is offering a multi-day, non-residential retreat. This is an opportunity to set aside the concerns of daily life for two and a half days, giving all our attention to our sitting practice and taking care of ourselves as we would take care of a guest. The schedule will include sitting and walking meditation, breaks and Dharma talks. Vegetarian meals will be served in a modified oryoki-style for lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday. Oryoki is the traditional 3-bowl way of serving and eating meals together in silence.
Schedule: Friday & Saturday, 9 am – 9 pm.; Sunday, 9 am – noon.
Cost: $60 for full sesshin; $30 per full day; $15 per half day
Please sign up by November 21 by completing the form and returning it to Jim Hare.
Sesshin Signup Form (pdf)
Sign up at the zendo, by email info@valleystreamszen.org or by US mail to
VSZS, 3111 Wissemann Dr., Sacramento, CA 95826
