“The Way is not difficult, just avoid picking and choosing.” So said one of our ancient Chinese Zen teachers. The irony of this statement has not been lost over the centuries: as human beings we seem to be built for picking and choosing. Does that mean we will always be remote from the Buddha Way? […]
The Full Moon Ceremony acknowledges the karma created by our intentional actions, and reminds us to renew our commitment to the ethical conduct expressed as the 16 Bodhisattva Precepts. These are guiding principles for our daily conduct in the world. This ceremony is rooted in a ritual from pre-Buddhist India. To prepare for the ceremony […]
Join us for two periods of zazen (seated meditation) and kinhin (walking meditation), or just the first or second second meditation periods, as your schedule allows. 6:00 am – Zazen (sitting meditation) 6:30 am – Kinhin (walking meditation) 6:40 am – Zazen 7:10 am – Morning Service Please arrive a few minutes before the beginning […]
No Study Group Today due to the Black Mountain Retreat. We will resume on October 16th. The Zen Study Group meets at the Sacramento Dharma Center and on Zoom. The study group is facilitated by Rev. So'on Jim Hare, with readings from ancient and contemporary Mahayana Buddhist & Soto Zen texts and commentaries. • To join […]
On the second Monday of each month, we offer a 40-minute introduction to Zen practice. We focus on the art of sitting meditation, with emphasis on posture, breath and mental focus. This is for new meditators and those wishing to refresh their practice of meditative immersion. Following the instruction the Valley Streams Zen Sangha meets […]
On Retreat Night we offer an opportunity to settle into your meditation practice with two 25-minute periods of zazen (sitting meditation), interspersed with kinhin (walking meditation). Turning the light inward, we explore the causes of suffering and what can end it. If you are new to meditation or just exploring the idea, the Introduction to Meditation […]
Join us for two periods of zazen (seated meditation) and kinhin (walking meditation), or just the first or second second meditation periods, as your schedule allows. 6:00 am – Zazen (sitting meditation) 6:30 am – Kinhin (walking meditation) 6:40 am – Zazen 7:10 am – Morning Service Please arrive a few minutes before the beginning […]
The Zen Study Group meets at the Sacramento Dharma Center and on Zoom. The study group is facilitated by Rev. So'on Jim Hare, with readings from ancient and contemporary Mahayana Buddhist & Soto Zen texts and commentaries. To join the Thursday morning study group, email the coordinator, Rollin Ives, twl4148@gmail.com
You are invited to Valley Streams Zen Sangha’s Annual Meeting and potluck brunch. Spouses, partners, friends, and family—all are welcome. Gather in the West Lobby at 10 a.m. to share a meal and each other’s company. After the brunch, the 2025-2026 Board and officers will be introduced and give a report on the state of […]
Rev. Parāvṛtti Doralee Grindler Katonah serves as Ino, or head of the meditation hall. She studied in the Soto Zen lineage with Sojun Diane Martin, founder and guiding teacher of Udumbara Zen Center in Illinois and Rev. Val Szymanski, Head Priest of Bamboo in the Wind Zen Center in Sunnyvale, California. She was lay ordained […]
Join us for two periods of zazen (seated meditation) and kinhin (walking meditation), or just the first or second second meditation periods, as your schedule allows. 6:00 am – Zazen (sitting meditation) 6:30 am – Kinhin (walking meditation) 6:40 am – Zazen 7:10 am – Morning Service Please arrive a few minutes before the beginning […]