"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 leads 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)JANUARY 2020
A theme (Dharma talks, Family Zen): REPENTANCE WHAT IS ZEN? A brief introduction: Click here. CLASS! Suffering and its Resolution Starts January 15, 4:30 to 6 pm More Info on this page, below. FAMILY ZEN Click here for information and blog. |
CLASS Suffering and its Resolution
Starting Wednesday, January 15, 4:30 to 6:00 pm, and every other Wednesday for 4 sessions , taught by Gendo Allyn Field. Cost by donation: $60 suggested. Click here to register.
Description: The historical person known as the Buddha (“the awakened one”) is said to have described his teaching succinctly as “suffering and its resolution.” In this class, we will examine the Buddhist framework for understanding suffering, in particular, what is described as “the Four Noble Truths.” We will examine these truths in relation to other frameworks, such as Elizabeth Kubler Ross’ stages of grief, and Buddhist ideas of emptiness , dependent origination, and the three poisons. Our focus will extend beyond theory to explore personal experience and response to suffering, including the influences of family and culture. The class will include opportunities for contemplative practice with instruction as needed.
Description: The historical person known as the Buddha (“the awakened one”) is said to have described his teaching succinctly as “suffering and its resolution.” In this class, we will examine the Buddhist framework for understanding suffering, in particular, what is described as “the Four Noble Truths.” We will examine these truths in relation to other frameworks, such as Elizabeth Kubler Ross’ stages of grief, and Buddhist ideas of emptiness , dependent origination, and the three poisons. Our focus will extend beyond theory to explore personal experience and response to suffering, including the influences of family and culture. The class will include opportunities for contemplative practice with instruction as needed.
INTRODUCTION TO ZEN PRACTICE - First Wednesday of the month,
5 to 6 pm (next January 8).
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If you are new to Zen practice or need an orientation to our Center, join us first Wednesdays 5 to 6 pm (starting August 7) at Upper Valley Zen Center. While an introduction is recommended, newcomers are welcome at all events.
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SUNDAY ZEN (Note: Not meeting this coming Sunday, 2/16)
Sunday Zen follows the traditional Zen form according to the schedule below. If you wish to arrive late or leave early, please do so during kinhin (walking meditation).
9 am Tea
9:10 Chanting, kinhin (walking meditation)
9:45 Zazen (sitting meditation), kinhin
10:15 Dharma talk, kinhin
10:45 Zazen, and option for interview (one-on-one dialog with a teacher.)
11:15 Closing and cleanup
9 am Tea
9:10 Chanting, kinhin (walking meditation)
9:45 Zazen (sitting meditation), kinhin
10:15 Dharma talk, kinhin
10:45 Zazen, and option for interview (one-on-one dialog with a teacher.)
11:15 Closing and cleanup
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
)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."
Next session: January 2, 2020, Diamond Sutra, in English and Chinese, with help from Jing Mayer.
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."
Next session: January 2, 2020, Diamond Sutra, in English and Chinese, with help from Jing Mayer.
HOSPITAL PRACTICE Mon. & Wed. 12:30 to 1 pm
A group meets weekly for meditation practice at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, 12:30 to 1:00, in the third floor chapel, Mondays and Wednesdays; led by Gendo (with ocassional substitutes). All are welcomed to join. Instruction offered as need
ZEN PRISON PROJECT
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
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. There is also practice Tuesday noon to 12:30, followed by lunch together (bring your own) same location.
MIND AND EMPTINESS - Perspectives on the Nature of Consciousness A conference at Dartmouth College, April 28,29, 2017, co-sponsored by UVZC.
For recordings of this event, go to News.