Family Sangha (In Person)
2024-06-30 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Welcome to Family Sangha, sponsored by Sacramento Dharma Center with the support of Sacramento Buddhist Meditation Group, Valley Streams Zen Sangha, and Sacramento Insight Meditation.
On last Sundays, parents, uncles and aunts, grandparents, friends, are invited to come to SDC and share the Buddha path of wisdom and kindness with their children. Adults are expected to stay on site near their children.
Please come to Family Sangha through the West Lobby.
Participating family member(s) can join the sangha meditation and/or dharma talk, while their children enjoy Family Sangha! Please check in with coordinators Ajit or Helen first. Family Sangha is family-created, all volunteer, so we ask that newcomers please stay with their children in the program for their first and second visits. Activities focus on fundamental teachings through conversation, mindfulness, song(s), story, movement, nature dharma and active play outside, snacks, art and even mindful clean-up. Families are welcome to stay for refreshments at noon with SBMG.
If you have any questions, or wish to help in any way, please contact Ajit and Helen at familydharma@sbmg.org. We are actively seeking childcare helpers and a mindfulness facilitator. Stipends are available. Please let us know if you have recommendations.

Dharma Talk by Rev. Myō Lahey (Speaker on Zoom)
2024-07-01 19:00 - 21:00 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Rev. Myō Lahey is Abbot at Hartford Street Zen Center in San Francisco and Valley Streams’ guiding teacher. He previously served as the monastic Prior (Tantō) at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center. Rev. Lahey is a Dharma heir of Tenshin Reb Anderson.
Raised in an observant Roman Catholic home, Myō was drawn to religion and spirituality at an early age and found Zen Buddhism in his teens. Rev. Myō began sitting practice in 1969 while still in high school, and attended zazen-kai at Haiku Zendō in Los Altos, which had recently been established and which hosted Suzuki-roshi from time to time.
*Zoom link to program
Our Monday night programs begin with zazen (sitting meditation) followed by a devotional service and 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. If this is your first visit please arrive at least 15 minutes early for a brief orientation.

Half-day Sitting led by Rev. Parāvṛtti Doralee Grindler Katonah (In Person)
2024-07-06 08:30 - 12:30 | Valley Streams Zen Sangha, Sacramento Dharma Center 3111 Wisseman Dr., Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
When two arrow points meet, this has nothing to do with the power of skill!
(Jewel Mirror Samadhi)
In our practice together we will consider this Truth of practice realization – that realization comes spontaneously and is not within the realm of consciousness (Genjo Koan) – it does not appear in the realm of perception – because it is unconstructedness in stillness (Self-Receiving and Employing Samadhi)
It matters that we come to practice together! Bring a sack lunch to enjoy sharing a meal.
Half-day retreat (8:30 am-12:30 pm) includes sitting and walking meditation, a Dharma talk and discussion period. Outside the meditation hall we will maintain noble silence.
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 in 2008 and priest ordained in 2019. She served as head student for the Spring practice period at Bamboo in the Wind Zen Sangha in May 2022. She offers Practice Interviews upon request.
Please bring a bag lunch if you would like to join us for a social lunch following the sitting.
Registration below. Suggested donation is $20 -$30. No one will be excluded for lack of funds. If this will be your first retreat day with us or you have questions, please email: info@valleystreamszen.org

Introduction to Zen Meditation (In Person Only)
2024-07-08 18:00 - 18:40, 2024-08-12 18:00 - 18:40 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
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.
Sign up for Weekly Emails to receive current program information.

Dharma Talk by Rev. So’on Jim Hare (Speaker in Person)
2024-07-08 19:00 - 21:00 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Rev. 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 was priest ordained by Rev. Myo Lahey in 2016.
*Zoom link to program
Our Monday night programs begin with zazen (sitting meditation) followed by a devotional service and 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. If this is your first visit please arrive at least 15 minutes early for a brief orientation.

Morning Zazen and Service (Hybrid)
2024-07-11 06:00 - 07:30, 2024-07-18 06:00 - 07:30, 2024-07-25 06:00 - 07:30, 2024-08-01 06:00 - 07:30, 2024-08-08 06:00 - 07:30, 2024-08-15 06:00 - 07:30, 2024-08-22 06:00 - 07:30 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
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)
2024-07-11 08:00 - 09:00, 2024-07-18 08:00 - 09:00, 2024-08-01 08:00 - 09:00, 2024-08-08 08:00 - 09:00, 2024-08-15 08:00 - 09:00, 2024-08-22 08:00 - 09:00 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
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

Dharma Talk by Meikyo Bob Rosenbaum (Speaker in Person)
2024-07-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Meikyo Robert Rosenbaum, PhD. received lay entrustment in Soto Zen from Sojun Mel Weitsman. He is also authorized as a senior teacher of the Taoist practice of Dayan (Wild Goose) Qigong in the lineage of Yang Meijun by Master Hui Liu. In addition, he has received denkai in Ordinary Mind Zen from Karen Terzano. Bob teaches Zen and Qigong at the Meadowmind Center in Sacramento.
Bob is the author of several books including Zen and the Heart of Psychotherapy, Walking the Way: 81 Zen Encounters with Tao Te Ching and most recently, That is not your Mind! Zen Reflections on the Sarangama Sutra.
*Zoom link to program
We offer a Well-Being Ceremony on the third Monday of every month to remember friends, family, neighbors, pets and people of the world who are ill, facing a recent loss, or struggling with some difficulty in their lives. Please send the names of those you wish to be remembered to: Parāvrtti Doralee Grindler Katonah (Ino@valleystreamszen.org) by the Sunday evening prior.
Our Monday night programs begin with zazen (sitting meditation) followed by a devotional service and 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. If this is your first visit please arrive at least 15 minutes early for a brief orientation.

BIPOC Sangha Movie Night Fundraiser (In Person)
2024-07-19 18:00 - 21:00 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Join SBMG’s BIPOC Sangha for an inspiring movie night as we screen the powerful 2008 film “The Dhamma Brothers.” This event is a special fundraiser hosted by The Sacramento Buddhist Group to support our BIPOC Sangha (Meditation) group. Your generous contributions will help provide class and retreat scholarships for BIPOC practitioners, support visiting BIPOC teachers through dana (donations), and cover general costs incurred by the sangha.
Date & Time: July 19th, 2024 | Doors open 6pm, Screening begins 6:30pm
Location: Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Dr, Sacramento, CA 95826
Suggested Donation: $10-$15 (However no one will be turned away for lack of funds)
About the Film: “The Dhamma Brothers” tells the remarkable story of a group of inmates at a maximum-security prison in Alabama who undergo a transformative journey through the practice of Vipassana meditation. The film offers a profound look at the power of meditation and its ability to bring change in the most unexpected places.
Event Highlights:

Inclusive Community Event: Welcoming BIPOC and allied practitioners to explore diverse perspectives within the dharma.
Refreshments: Enjoy a selection of snacks and drinks.
Support Local Businesses: Take the opportunity to support a few small, local BIPOC businesses that will be present at the event.

This movie night is more than just a film screening; it’s a chance to come together as a community, learn, and support a meaningful cause. Whether you’re a long-time practitioner or new to meditation, this event is open to all. We look forward to seeing you there!
To RSVP, click here.
All funds raised will directly benefit the BIPOC Sangha, helping to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all practitioners. Thank you for your support!

SDC Grounds Maintenance (In Person)
2024-07-21 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-08-18 08:00 - 10:00 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
The Sacramento Dharma Center Grounds Committee meets on the third Sunday of the month from 8-10 a.m. to rake, prune the yard and garden. Excessive heat or rain cancels. To volunteer, meet the crew on the third Sunday at the Dharma Center.
For more information, contact Julie DeHart, julieedehart@gmail.com

Dharma Talk by WaDen Eido Barbara Baccei (Speaker in Person)
2024-07-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
WaDen Eido Barbara Baccei, an ordained Soto Zen Teacher, received Lay Entrustment from Kyōshō Valorie Beer Roshi. She is also a Soto Zen sewing teacher lineage holder of Suzuki Roshi. An alignment-focused yoga teacher, she is a graduate of the Berkeley Yoga Room Teacher Training. A contemplative artist and book artist, she works on paper and fabric embellished with findings from the natural world.
*Zoom link to program
Our Monday night programs begin with zazen (sitting meditation) followed by a devotional service and 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. If this is your first visit please arrive at least 15 minutes early for a brief orientation.

Family Sangha Field Trip (In Person)
2024-07-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Soil Born Farms, 2140 Chase Dr, Rancho Cordova, 95670, United States
Welcome to Family Sangha, sponsored by Sacramento Dharma Center with the support of Sacramento Buddhist Meditation Group, Valley Streams Zen Sangha, and Sacramento Insight Meditation.
On SATURDAY July 27, Family Sangha will meet at the playground of Soil Born Farms. 2140 Chase Dr, Rancho Cordova, CA. The playground is just past the Farm Stand and Kids’ Garden. Look for the event host, Ian, who will be wearing a shirt with mango prints on it for easy identification! We will explore how farm plants and animals grow, change, and nourish us, and become aware, close up, of our interdependence with the natural world.
Time: Saturday (not Sunday!), July 27. 10 AM–12 PM. Please arrive 15–20 minutes early to allow time for parking and walking to the playground.
Soil Born Farms, a nonprofit urban agriculture and education project, is open to the public on Saturdays from 8am-3pm. Following the Family Sangha event, you and your family may linger, wander around, buy food at the café, and buy produce at the farm stand. Please contact Ian MacLeod at ian.r.macleod@gmail.com with questions.
If you have any questions, or wish to help in any way, please contact Ajit and Helen at familydharma@sbmg.org. We are actively seeking childcare helpers and a mindfulness facilitator. Stipends are available. Please let us know if you have recommendations.

Full Moon Ceremony (Hybrid)
2024-07-29 19:00 - 21:00 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
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 there are two 25 minutes meditation periods separated by 10 minutes of walking meditation. All are welcome to participate.
*Full Moon Ceremony Chants
*Zoom link to program

Our Monday night programs begin with zazen (sitting meditation) followed by a devotional service and 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. If this is your first visit please arrive at least 15 minutes early for a brief orientation.

Half-day Sitting (In Person)
2024-08-03 09:00 - 12:00 | Valley Streams Zen Sangha, Sacramento Dharma Center 3111 Wisseman Dr., Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Join the sangha for a half-day of shikantaza or just sitting with alternating periods of zazen (sitting meditation) and kinhin (walking meditation), In the “grass-roof hermitage we “just sit” followed by a social lunch at noon (please bring a bag lunch).
Registration is requested, but not required. Dana is appreciated. Donation can be made below. No one will be excluded for lack of funds. If this will be your first retreat day with us or you have questions, please email: info@valleystreamszen.org

Song of the Grass-Roof Hermitage
Shih-t’ou (700-790)
I’ve built a grass hut where there’s nothing of value.
After eating, I relax and enjoy a nap.
When it was completed, fresh weeds appeared.
Now it’s been lived in – covered by weeds…
Just sitting with head covered, all things are at rest.
Thus, this mountain monk doesn’t understand at all.
Living here they no longer work to get free.
Who would proudly arrange seats, trying to entice guests?
Shitou Xiqian was an early Chinese Zen master. He was called one of Zen’s two ‘great jewels’ For some years, he meditated continually in a hut built on a rock at Nan Monastery, and was thus called Shitou (“Priest Rock Head”)

Dharma Talk by Rev. Eijun Linda Cutts (Speaker on Zoom)
2024-08-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Rev. Eijun Linda Cutts is a Senior Dharma Teacher at San Francisco Zen Center. Priest ordained in 1975, she has lived at Tassajara, SFZC City Center, and at Green Gulch Farm, where she has resided since 1993. She received Dharma transmission from Tenshin Reb Anderson in 1996, and served as Abbess from 2000-2019 (with a hiatus from 2007-2010). As Senior Dharma Teacher, she continues to teach, leading practice periods and retreats at Tassajara, Green Gulch, and elsewhere, and has been leading Yoga-Zen retreats and workshops for many years.
*Zoom link to program
Our Monday night programs begin with zazen (sitting meditation) followed by a devotional service and 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. If this is your first visit please arrive at least 15 minutes early for a brief orientation.

Way Seeking Mind Talk by Konen Scott Lowe (Speaker in Person)
2024-08-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Konen Scott Lowe’s Dharma biography: “I first encountered the Buddha Dharma when I was a teenager. In the library of the town I grew up in (Gallup, New Mexico). I randomly picked up a small volume of Hinayana Buddhism Sutras and history. As soon as I read a few pages, I was drawn to the voice of the Buddha, and from that day on, I considered myself a Buddhist.
Many years later, in 1994, I attended a Dharma talk at Green Gulch. Someone named Tenshin Reb Anderson gave the talk, and after hearing his talk, I thought, “I think this man is my teacher,” and so he is to this day. I took Jukai in 1999 and received the Dharma name Konen Shogaku.”
*Zoom link to program
Our Monday night programs begin with zazen (sitting meditation) followed by a devotional service and 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. If this is your first visit please arrive at least 15 minutes early for a brief orientation.

Dharma Talk by Rev. So’on Jim Hare (Speaker in Person)
2024-08-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Rev. 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 was priest ordained by Rev. Myo Lahey in 2016.
*Zoom link to program
We offer a Well-Being Ceremony on the third Monday of every month to remember friends, family, neighbors, pets and people of the world who are ill, facing a recent loss, or struggling with some difficulty in their lives. Please send the names of those you wish to be remembered to: Parāvrtti Doralee Grindler Katonah (Ino@valleystreamszen.org) by the Sunday evening prior.
Our Monday night programs begin with zazen (sitting meditation) followed by a devotional service and 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. If this is your first visit please arrive at least 15 minutes early for a brief orientation.
