Our fall study period echoes the centuries-old tradition of Buddhist communities gathering for “winter rains” retreats. This is a time for deepening one’s study of the Buddha Way. In a traditional Zen practice period you are in residence. Your days are regulated by a schedule of zazen, service, formal oryoki meals, and work around the […]
Who was Vasubandhu?
Sitting with Calm and Insight: a half-day schedule of sitting and walking meditation, offered along with a Dharma talk by So On Jim Hare on the teachings of Shamata and Vipassana (Calming and Insight) from the Samdhinirmochana Sutra. This will be a continuation of a Dharma talk that was given on September 10th, but it […]
In fourth-century India one of the great geniuses of Buddhism, Vasubandhu, sought to reconcile the diverse ideas and forms of Buddhism practiced at the time and demonstrate how they could be effectively integrated into a single system. This was the Yogacara movement, and it continues to have great influence in modern Tibetan and Zen Buddhism. Vasubandhu’s […]
In fourth-century India one of the great geniuses of Buddhism, Vasubandhu, sought to reconcile the diverse ideas and forms of Buddhism practiced at the time and demonstrate how they could be effectively integrated into a single system. This was the Yogacara movement, and it continues to have great influence in modern Tibetan and Zen Buddhism. Vasubandhu’s […]
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. Please email info@valleystreamszen.org
This is a once-a-year opportunity to meet your sangha friends, new board members and get the latest news about Valley Streams Zen Sangha. All members, along with their family & friends are warmly invited to attend. Sign up at a regular meeting, or let us know by email, what food offering, and how many people you […]
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. Treats, tea and conversation after the ceremony. Please bring noise makers and a treat to share. If you would like the name of a loved one […]
This one-day sitting is cancelled in order to focus on the 3-day Rohatsu Sesshin, scheduled for November 30 - December 2. Please consider giving yourself this special treat of setting aside the concerns of daily life for two and a half days in and giving your attention to your sitting practice and taking care of yourself as you […]
Doralee will lead us in an experiential process of working with the different characters in a koan as parts of ourselves. Through sharing these experiences we may become open to something fresh arising. The koan we will work with is "Senjo and Her Soul are Separated", p. 157 in The Hidden Lamp – Stories from […]
Stars at Dawn is a retelling of ancient legends of the women in Gautama Buddha’s intimate circle. Lesser-known stories from Sanskrit and Pali sources are for the first time woven into an illuminating, coherent narrative. Interspersed with original insights, fresh interpretations, and bold challenges to the status quo, these stories invite us to open our minds to […]
Join us for tea and conversation with special guest: Wendy Garling, author of Stars at Dawn: Forgotten Stories of Women in the Buddha’s Life. Wendy Garling has taught women's spirituality focusing on Buddhist traditions for more than 20 years. She has a BA from Wellesley College and MA in Sanskrit language and literature from the University of […]