"The Upper Valley Zen Center is dedicated to the study and practice of Zen Buddhism; to understanding the nature of suffering and its resolution; and to acting on this insight to benefit everyday life."
About UVZC
Zen is the practice of Buddhism, the discipline and insight founded by the historical Buddha 2500 years ago. Our Center and the affiliated Dartmouth Zen Practice are led by Gendo Allyn Field, lay monk and teacher in the Rinzai Zen tradition. He received ordination from Joshu Sasaki in 2003 and suijishiki (teacher ordination) from Sandy Gentei Stewart in 2013. He is a "per diem" chaplain at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and (before covid)led Zen practice at Concord State Prison.
We are located on the ground floor of 58 Bridge Street, White RIver Junction, VT (The Main Street Museum). Go down the driveway left of the building, park by the River and enter on that level. Click here for help finding us. All are welcome to join our practice regardless of experience, religious affiliation or financial means (see schedule ). Click here to contact us with your questions. Click here for a brief overview of the What, Why and How to practice Zen. |
News
• March marks 17 years since doors first opened at UVZC. Commentary Click for commentary on various topics. What is Zen? A brief introduction: Click here. . |
ZEN PRACTICE
Here are ways to join practice at the Zen Center, currently on Zoom. If you have questions, please Contact us. Donations? Click here. Covid: As of March 1, 2022, anyone who is fully vaccinated (two weeks post second shot) is permitted in the Zendo, masked, six feet apart (capacity, 8). All Zoom sessions use the same link: <https://bit.ly/uvzczoom> RETREAT Three days, May 20 to 22, starting Friday morning (5/20) at 7:45 am. (in-person or on Zoom). Details at <uvzc.org/retreat>. VIRTUAL SEICHU . a commitment to practice, to study, to community–-10 weeks, March 10 through May 19, with option to join a one day retreat, March 13 and a three day retreat May 20-22. For details, click here. Zen Sundays (other than Retreat days) Currently on Zoom 9 to 11:15 am Chanting, zazen, Dharma talk and opportunity for personal meeting with a teacher (dokusan). Work period and social time afterwards. Study Group on Zoom Thurs. 7 to 8:30 pm Attendance to previous sessions is not necessary. Morning Practice on Zoom M–F, 6:45 to 7:45 am. Sat. 8 – 8:30 am Serious practice, followed by casual conversation. Meditation with Instruction on Zoom Mon. and Thurs. 11:30-12:30 pm. Informal intro to the Zen Center and our practice. Dartmouth Zen Practice Wed. 7 to 8:30 pm (when college in session) Dartmouth students in-person. Others welcomed to join. North Fairbanks Hall, second floor |
STUDY GROUP - Thursday nights, 7 to 8:30 (see 'Zen on Zoom' above)
Lincoln Alden writes of the Study Group: “ The Thursday evening study group allows practitioners to go beyond sitting and walking meditation with exercises for the mind. Each week we focus on a specific theme from traditional and contemporary sources, exploring Zen Buddhist philosophy and practice. Through in depth discussion and lively conversation we consider a variety of texts, stories and sutras and the impact they might have on our daily actions and reactions in the present. Gendo facilitates this informal process with humor and insight, keeping our focus on the topic at hand and how it relates to our individual life experiences."
DARTMOUTH ZEN PRACTICE (currently meeting in-person)
Dartmouth students, staff and community members are welcome to join a practice group that meets Wednesday nights, 7:30 to 8:30 pm in North Fairbanks Hall, second floor meditation room on Dartmouth College campus (directions here). The format is meditation practice, with instruction as needed, followed by discussion on topics proposed by the group.