Expression with What is Arising: Practice Circle led by Doralee
Sangha member and VSZS board president, Doralee Grindler Katonah, PsyD & MDiv, will lead our discussion.
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Discussion on Engaged Practice: What We Do in the World
Our Presidents' Day discussion will be led by So On Jim Hare, head of practice. Monday night programs always begin with zazen (sitting meditation). Additional offerings include a devotional service, dharma talks by visiting teachers, group discussions, practice circles and retreat nights. There are no membership requirements to participate. Valley Streams Zen Sangha is dedicated […]
Dharma Talk by So On Jim Hare
Our guiding teacher Rev. Myo Lahey from Hartford Street Zen Center in San Francisco is unable join us this evening due to illness. In his place, practice leader, Jim Hare will comment on and lead a discussion on Case 94 of the Book of Serenity, "Dongshan is Unwell".
Study Group on “The Harmony of Difference and Equality”
Six Thursdays, 8 - 9 am • March 1 - April 5, 2018 • Led by Rev. So On Jim Hare Using Shunryu Suzuki's book, Branching Streams Flow in the Darkness as a guide, we will study the classic 8th century poem, Sandokai, "The Harmony of Difference and Equality." We will also use the text by […]
Half-day Sitting – “Throughout the body, hands and eyes.”
Sitting zazen is extending an invitation to great compassion. Not doing anything, yet compassion arises spontaneously, "like reaching back for a pillow at night," according to one Zen story. On Saturday March 3rd, we'll send invitations all morning, still and silent on our cushions, and moving in walking meditation. Our morning will include a short […]
Discussion: Jiaoan’s Sand in the Eye
Linda Dekker and Karen Hamilton will facilitate Koan Study. This will be an opportunity to get a taste of what we do in the Women Ancestors group which meets every third Thursday at 9 am. The Koan we will look at is Jiaoan's Sand in the Eye, pp. 90-92 of The Hidden Lamp: Stories from Twenty-five […]
Dharma Talk by Edward Espe Brown
Edward Espe Brown is a well-known Soto Zen Buddhist teacher, author, and chef. He was ordained in 1971 by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, who gave him the Dharma name Jusan Kainei , “Longevity Mountain, Peaceful Sea.” He leads sitting groups and meditation retreats in Northern California and internationally. BONUS: Please join us for a potluck supper with Rev. […]
Dharma Talk by Rev. Myo Lahey
Rev. Myō Lahey is Abbot at Hartford Street Zen Center in San Francisco , as well as Guiding Teacher at Valley Streams Zen Sangha. He has previously served as Practice Leader at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center. A Dharma heir of Tenshin Reb Anderson, Myō is a sometime board member of the Soto Zen Buddhist Association of North America (SZBA) and also serves […]
Retreat Night
Retreat night consists of three 25-minute sitting periods with walking meditation in between. All are welcome.
“Expressing Our Gratitude”
Presented by So On Jim Hare and Doralee Grindler Katonah. Monday night programs usually begin with zazen (sitting meditation), followed by a short devotional service, 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 […]
Buddha’s Birthday Sitting and Ceremony
Tonight we celebrate the birth of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni with a special ceremony. Our Monday night programs usually begin with zazen (sitting meditation), followed by a short devotional service, 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, […]