Dharma Talk by Rev. So’on Jim Hare (Hybrid, Speaker in Person)
2025-05-05 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-06-23 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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)
2025-05-08 06:00 - 07:30, 2025-05-15 06:00 - 07:30, 2025-05-22 06:00 - 07:30, 2025-05-29 06:00 - 07:30, 2025-06-05 06:00 - 07:30, 2025-06-12 06:00 - 07:30, 2025-06-19 06:00 - 07:30, 2025-06-26 06:00 - 07:30 and 1 more date | 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)
2025-05-08 08:00 - 09:00, 2025-06-05 08:00 - 09:00, 2025-06-12 08:00 - 09:00, 2025-06-19 08:00 - 09:00, 2025-06-26 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

SDC Garden Party
2025-05-10 15:30 - 17:30 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
All three sanghas will come together to celebrate the latest landscape improvements at the Sacramento Dharma Center. David Hvidsten, of Mantis Gardens, will tell us about his environmentally conscious landscaping philosophy, and give us a tour of the fresh additions he and his crew have installed. Refreshments will be served.
•For more information contact Sarah O’Gara at info@3111sacdharma.org

Introduction to Zen Meditation (In Person Only)
2025-05-12 18:00 - 18:40, 2025-06-09 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.
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"Clear Ethical Discernment" - Practice Circle Led by Rev. So’on Jim Hare (Hybrid, Speaker in Person)
2025-05-12 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.
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.
*Zoom link to program

Tassajara Sangha Week (In Person Only)
2025-05-13 - 2025-05-18 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States

Practicing With The Precepts: A Study Group Series (In Person Only)
2025-05-13 18:00 - 19:30 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
PRACTICING WITH THE PRECEPTS
– A Study Group Series –
Teacher: Rev. Paravrtti Doralee Grindler Katonah
Tuesday evenings, 6 – 7:30 pm
(March 4, 18; April 1 ,15, 29; May 13, 2025)
Register at Ino@valleystreamszen.org
• A commitment to attend each session is expected.
• Recommended dana: $50
The Precepts, offered by the Buddha, are descriptions of enlightened, wholehearted living, naturally expressing compassionate and wise action, and open presence – a way of life dedicated to relieving suffering and realizing the truth of the interconnectedness of all living beings.
The Precepts reveal infinite possibilities of living an awakened reality. Through learning to interact with the Precepts, we set in motion a process of character development that will transform our lives. Through engagement and inquiry, we open a process of spiritual growth. We are given mirrors of the many ways we restrict our lives and turn away from letting go of self.
During our time together we will invite the precepts into our meditation practice, witness how they interact and transform our everyday experiences, and develop our capacity to receive guidance and insight from within. Together we will explore the multilayered meanings of each precept in an open and safe environment. This group is open to all who want to devote time and practice to this study together.
We will meet biweekly for 6 sessions. Our primary text will be Opening to Oneness – A Practical Guide to the Zen Precepts, by Nancy Mujo Baker (2023). Additional commentaries will be offered.
Rev. Doralee Grindler Katonah, Psy.D., M.Div. has been a student of ethics, both through her work as a clinical psychologist, her study of philosophy in undergraduate university, as a graduate student in the history of religions, and her 40-year study of Buddhism. She serves as Ino or head of the meditation hall for Valley Streams Zen Sangha. She studies in the Soto Zen Lineage of Sojun Diane Martin, founder and guiding teacher of Udumbarra Zen Center in Illinois and Rev. Val Szymanski, founder and head priest of Bamboo in the Wind Zen Sangha in 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 May 2022.
*Three Pure Precepts
I vow to refrain from all evil.
I vow to make every effort to live in enlightenment.
I vow to live and be lived for the benefit of all beings.
*Ten Essential Precepts
I vow not to kill; rather cultivate and encourage life.
I vow not to take what is not given; rather cultivate generosity.
I vow not to misuse sexuality, rather cultivate and encourage honest and caring relationships.
I vow to refrain from false speech; rather cultivate and encourage truthful communication.
I vow to refrain from intoxicants; rather cultivate and encourage clarity.
I vow not to slander; rather cultivate and encourage respectful speech.
I vow not to praise self at the expense of others; rather cultivate and encourage self and others to abide in their awakened nature.
I vow not to be avaricious; rather cultivate and encourage mutual support.
I vow not to harbor ill will; rather cultivate and encourage lovingkindness and understanding.
I vow not to disparage the Three Treasures; rather cultivate and encourage awakening, the path and teaching of awakening and the community that takes refuge in awakening.
*excerpted from online document at San Francisco Zen Center.

Way Seeking Mind Talk by Allison Claire (Hybrid, Speaker in Person)
2025-05-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Allison Claire is both a lay-ordained Zen practitioner and a Unitarian Universalist. She has been a peace and justice activist, a lawyer for death row inmates, a longtime federal employee, and the single mother of triplets. Her practice is deeply rooted in the Dharma of the Green World and the principles of engaged Buddhism.
*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.

CLOSED for Memorial Day
2025-05-26 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States

"My Teacher's Gifts" - Dharma Talk by Rev. Parāvṛtti Doralee Grindler Katonah (Hybrid, Speaker in Person)
2025-06-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
May you have a constant pulsation of availability so that the Vow of the Universe – that all beings realize inherent enlightenment – may meet your personal vow to be a magnificent human being. This is our practice.
—- Sojun Diane Martin
Life IS relationship. The Dharma is transmitted through intimacy. The preciousness of the student-teacher relationship cannot be measured. This evening, I will offer a window into the gifts I have received from my root teacher Sojun Diane Martin, Ph.D., founding teacher of Udumbara Zen Center in Evanston, IL. and now guiding teacher for the Buddhist Educational Institute at Indian Creek Zen Farm, Ottawa, IL. Her transmission embraces her dual lineages – Shunryu Suzuki Roshi and Dainin Katagiri Roshi.
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.
*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.

"Letting Go of Self-Concern" - Half-day Sitting led by Rev. So’on Jim Hare (In Person Only)
2025-06-07 08:30 - 12:30 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Join us for a half-day of sitting and walking meditation with a Dharma talk focusing on the practice that releases us from self-obsession.

There is a movie playing in the untrained consciousness. This movie stars me, is produced and directed by me. The plot of the movie features my interests, my problems, and my desires. Other people are the supporting cast.
The direction of Zen practice is toward a more inclusive, less self-centered awareness. How do we make that movie? Arousing the spirit of awakening is to imagine and realize a more panoramic vision of the self.
This half-day retreat will feature periods of sitting and walking meditation and a Dharma talk by So’on Jim Hare. A social lunch will follow the retreat; please bring your own. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. For more information, please email us at info@valleystreamszen.org.

Please register here.

Full Moon Ceremony (Hybrid)
2025-06-09 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.
•• Come early and join us for a social Brown Bag Supper, 5:30-6:30 pm.
(Bring your own food.)

Women’s Retreat – Green Gulch Farm (In Person Only)
2025-06-12 - 2025-06-15 | Green Gulch Farm, 1601 Shoreline Hwy, Muir Beach, CA, 94965, United States
For details please contact Doralee Grindler Katonah at ino@valleystreamszen.org

Dharma Talk by Hoka Chris Fortin (Hybrid, Speaker on Zoom)
2025-06-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
This evening we welcome guest teacher, Chris Fortin, a Soto Zen teacher who began practicing Buddhism in 1976 while living at the San Francisco Zen Center. After many years of practice she received Dharma Transmission from Zoketsu Norman Fischer of Everyday Zen, in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi.

Chris founded Dharma Heart Zen to share the path of wholehearted living and awakening with others. She leads the Dharma Heart Zen Sangha in Cotati and the Woman’s Lotus Sangha in Sebastopol. She is a senior teacher in the Everyday Zen community and leads workshops at SFZC. She is guiding teacher of Sky Island Zen in Tucson, Arizona and leads retreats in ancient Aravaipa Canyon. She was the co- founder of Veterans PATH (formerly Honoring the Path of the Warrior), offering retreats and meditation and mindfulness practices for returning veterans. She offers Jizo Bodhisattva trainings and ceremonies for those who have lost children, loved ones and those who are grieving the pain and suffering of the world. Chris is actively engaged in the dharma of social and racial justice and the climate crisis. She co-leads a monthly Racial Literacy and Dharma Group and serves on the Soto Zen Buddhist Association’s Diversity Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility (DEIA) Committee.

*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, 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.

Dharma Talk by Rev. Vivian Grenenfelder (Hybrid, Speaker in Person)
2025-06-30 19:00 - 21:00 | Sacramento Dharma Center, Sacramento Dharma Center, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Rev. Vivian Gruenenfelder was ordained in the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives in 1998, and was given Dharma Transmission by her Master in 2003. On 25 January 2023, Rev. Master Haryo Young, who was then the Head of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives, named her a Master of the Order (Roshi). She is Still Flowing Water Hermitage’s resident monk and serves the Bear River Meditation Group, which meets on Monday evenings in Applegate, California.
*Zoom link to program Chant: Universal Gateway Of Guanyin
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.
