"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 (Click here for more news)Racial Justice
Click here for new (12/20) Zen Center Board statement. December 2020 Theme (Dharma talks, Family Zen): Generosity Commentary Click for commentary on topics. What is Zen? A brief introduction: Click here. . Family Zen Click here for information and blog. |
ZEN PRACTICE
Here are ways to join practice at the Zen Center, both in-person and virtual. If you have questions, please Contact us. Donations? Click here.
In-person sessions are held at the Zen Center unless noted otherwise (see guidelines below). All Zoom sessions use the same link: <https://bit.ly/uvzczoom>. Note: This Sunday, August 1, will be a brief session (though people are welcome to stay on if they wish). I will be leaving at 10 am for four days away. Morning practice will continue on Zoom. Meditation with Instruction (Monday/Wednesday, 11:30 to 12:30) will be on Zoom for all who want to join for sitting and conversation, no formal instruction. Back on Thursday for Morning practice and Study Group. Gendo Sunday Zen In-person and on Zoom Sun. 9 to 11:15 am Formal tea service, chanting, zazen, Dharma talk and opportunity for personal meeting with a teacher (dokusan). Study Group In-person and on Zoom Thurs. 7 to 8:30 pm This week, the teaching of Zen master Rinzai (Linchi). 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. Monday Meditation with Instruction on Zoom Mon. 11:30-12:30 pm. Informal intro to the Zen Center and our practice. Wednesday Meditation with Instruction on WEBEX and in person (not in-person 7/21, 7/28) at the Jack Byrne Center Chapel (Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center) Wed. 11:30-12:30pm WEBEX: go to <https://dhvideo.webex.com> in your browser, meeting information <120 803 6860>, password <zfGmgCRa373> |
In-Person Meeting guidelines
• For the sake of unity, we will abide by Vermont State requirements (https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19/vermont-forward/events-and-gatherings).
• Anyone who is fully vaccinated (two weeks post second shot) is permitted in the Zendo unmasked. Unvaccinated people may enter, but should sit six feet apart, wearing masks.
• There will be temporary overflow seating outside on the patio.
• Anyone who is fully vaccinated (two weeks post second shot) is permitted in the Zendo unmasked. Unvaccinated people may enter, but should sit six feet apart, wearing masks.
• There will be temporary overflow seating outside on the patio.
FAMILY ZEN
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Shinji Goodman and Jing Mayer write: “The children have become comfortable sitting silently for 3 minutes at the beginning, and sometimes at the end. We begin with our topic by reading a story. We talk about it, and then follow it with an art activity. Sometimes we practice walking meditation in a circle or with a chalk labyrinth drawn on the floor. We hope everybody has a great time, but we hope also the children will learn to be attentive to themselves and each other.”
For More Information and Blog Posts Click Here |
STUDY GROUP - Thursday nights, 7 to 8:30 (see 'Zen on Zoom' above)
Lincoln Alden writes: “ 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. As a recent example, we have been reading David Loy's inspiring book, A New Buddhist Path, as a catalyst for examining the current implications of Buddhism in the context of our modern and materialistic western society."
ZEN PRISON PROJECT (currently on hold due to virus concerns)
Prisoners at NH State prison in Concord have requested support for their Buddhist practice from Upper Valley Zen Center. Gendo and others from UVZC travel every other week to practice with the inmates on cushions purchased in a recent fundraising campaign, with thanks to all who donated.
DARTMOUTH ZEN PRACTICE (on hold until further notice)
Dartmouth students, staff and community members are welcome to join a practice group that meets Wednesday nights, 8 to 9 pm in North Fairbanks Hall, basement meditation room on Dartmouth College campus (directions here). The format is meditation practice followed by discussion on topics proposed by the group.