Dharma Talk by Shōku Kathy Early (Hybrid, Speaker in Person)
2026-01-26 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Guest teacher Shōku Kathy Early came to zen practice in 1994 through classes with Tenshin Reb Anderson at the Yoga Room in Berkeley while working as a semiconductor engineer in Silicon Valley. She then practiced for several years with Keido Les Kaye at Kannon Do Zen Center in Mountain View, after which she trained at San Francisco Zen Center for 16 years. She was priest ordained by Tenshin Anderson in 2005. Shōku also spent a year and a half in residence at Toshoji International Training Monastery, in Okayama, Japan, including four angos (90 day training periods).
*Zoom link to program
Our Monday night programs begin with zazen (sitting meditation) followed by a devotional service and dharma talk, group discussion, practice circle or retreat night. 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 in-person or on zoom.

Morning Zazen and Service (Hybrid)
2026-01-29 06:00 - 07:30, 2026-02-05 06:00 - 07:30, 2026-02-12 06:00 - 07:30, 2026-02-19 06:00 - 07:30, 2026-02-26 06:00 - 07:30, 2026-03-05 06:00 - 07:30, 2026-03-12 06:00 - 07:30, 2026-03-19 06:00 - 07:30 and 5 more dates
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 of each period to take your seat in the zendo or, if arriving via Zoom, to allow the AV person time to admit you. If you arrive on Zoom after the beginning of the sit, the AV person will not admit latecomers until the beginning of the next period. Stay for a cup of tea after service if you join in person.
•Zoom meeting link
•Chants used in our morning service (SFZC website)

Study Group (Hybrid)
2026-01-29 08:00 - 09:00, 2026-02-05 08:00 - 09:00, 2026-02-12 08:00 - 09:00, 2026-02-19 08:00 - 09:00, 2026-02-26 08:00 - 09:00, 2026-03-05 08:00 - 09:00, 2026-03-12 08:00 - 09:00, 2026-03-19 08:00 - 09:00 and 5 more dates
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

Introduction to Zen Meditation (In Person Only)
2026-02-09 18:00 - 18:40, 2026-03-09 18:00 - 18:40, 2026-04-13 18:00 - 18:40
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 for a 30-minute meditation in the Dharma Hall followed by a 10-minute service and Dharma talk. You are invited to stay for these events after the instruction.
* Meets in the Library at Sacramento Dharma Center.
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