"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)SEPTEMBER
A theme (Dharma talks, Family Zen): COMPASSION. (Commentary) WHAT IS ZEN? A brief introduction: Click here. RETREATS Retreat Days are , June 22, November 2, NOTE: Four day retreat September 12-15 with guest teacher, Sandy Gentei Stewart. ( Register early!). Click here for information about this and other retreats this year. |
FOUR DAY RETREAT, Coming soon, September 12-15, Hanover, NH
With guest teacher, Sandy Gentei Stewart.
Sandy is an old friend of our Zen Center, one of Joshu Sasaki Roshi’s first American students and an ordained Zen Osho (teacher) since 1971. He brings a wealth of experience, a background in studies of Buddhist texts and languages, a skillful intuition and a welcoming presence to the practice of Zen. Upper Valley Zen Center is honored to sponsor his visit.
Sandy will join us September 12-15, 2019. Its not too late to sign up - seats ae still available. Cost : $300. (part time: $85/day) For questions or to register, please click here to Contact Us. Click here for more information about retreats.
Sandy is an old friend of our Zen Center, one of Joshu Sasaki Roshi’s first American students and an ordained Zen Osho (teacher) since 1971. He brings a wealth of experience, a background in studies of Buddhist texts and languages, a skillful intuition and a welcoming presence to the practice of Zen. Upper Valley Zen Center is honored to sponsor his visit.
Sandy will join us September 12-15, 2019. Its not too late to sign up - seats ae still available. Cost : $300. (part time: $85/day) For questions or to register, please click here to Contact Us. Click here for more information about retreats.
CONTEMPLATIVE STUDIES: a conference at Dartmouth College, September 20-21
How do we prepare students of all ages with the resilience, compassion and insight to encounter a changing world? This conference explores the innovative Contemplative Studies program at Brown University started by fellow Zen practitioner Kendo Hal Roth. Join the conversation. Free and open to the public, with opportunities for contemplative practice. Schedule and map showing venue locations here.
INTRODUCTION TO ZEN PRACTICE - First Wednesday of the month,
5 to 6 pm (new schedule starting August 7)
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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.
Starting August 7, Intro to Zen, previously 6 to 7 pm every Wednesday, changes to 5 to 6 pm first Wednesdays of the month . Other Wednesdays will be used for in depth study of Zen and its application to everyday life, with a starting date to be announced. |
SUNDAY ZEN
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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This is a program designed to engage children in an interactive and fun exploration of basic Buddhist concepts and practice like mindfulness, compassion, kindness and connection. Currently meeting on the third Sunday of the month from 4-5 pm. Contact us if your family is interested.
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STUDY GROUP - Thursday nights, 7 to 8:30
Sitting/walking practice for the first half hour, followed by reading and discussion. No experience or preparation necessary. (Contact us to confirm the schedule when coming for the first time.)
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.