"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)June 2020
A theme (Dharma talks, Family Zen): DILIGENCE. Click for commentary WHAT IS ZEN? A brief introduction: Click here. . FAMILY ZEN Click here for information and blog. |
ZEN ON ZOOM pandemic practice
Practice Commitment Class. This class will meet monthly starting in June for 4 months in support of people who wish to deepen their commitment to practice. The class will have three aspects: 1) monthly commitment to a schedule of practice and teacher meetings; 2) training in zendo protocol and leadership; 3) study of relevant texts. Cost will be a suggested donation of $100 ($25 per session). People are asked to commit to the entire class. Class schedule will be determined based on the personal schedules of the people involved. Firstmeeting: Wednesday, June 3, 4:00 to 5:00 pm to discuss format and schedule for the class.All our practice will be held on online until further notice, in the interest of public health. To follow along with chanting, click here to find a copy of our chant book. Join us, wherever you are! Questions? Contact us. Donations? (We still have to pay rent and pay Zoom!): Click here. SCHEDULE • Morning Zazen. Every day except Sunday, 7 to 7:45 am. Join Zoom Meeting <https://us02web.zoom.us/j/780569785> • Study Group. Thursday 7 to 8:30. (Note: 7:30 to 9:00, June 28 only) Huineng's commentary on the Diamond Sutra. (Chinese and English versions, with discussion of relevance to present circumstances.) Join Zoom Meeting : <https://us02web.zoom.us/j/93139096673> • M/W/F Midday Zazen with instruction. 11:30 - 12:30. Join Zoom Meeting: <https://us02web.zoom.us/j/378546533> • Sunday Zen. 9 to 11:15. Practice with Dharma talk. Join Zoom Meeting : <https://us02web.zoom.us/j/288442312> • Tuesday Zen. 4:30- 6 pm. Sitting practice and opportunity for dokusan (teacher interviews via 'breakout rooms' in zoom) Join Zoom Meeting: < https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88659546136> (same every Tuesday) •Practice Commitment Class. This class will meet monthly starting in June for 4 months in support of people who wish to deepen their commitment to practice. The class will have three aspects: 1) monthly commitment to a schedule of practice and teacher meetings; 2) training in zendo protocol and leadership; 3) study of relevant texts. Cost will be a suggested donation of $100 ($25 per session). People are asked to commit to the entire class. Class schedule will be determined based on the personal schedules of the people involved. Firstmeeting: Wednesday, June 3, 4:00 to 5:00 pm to discuss format and schedule for the class. |
INTRODUCTION TO ZEN PRACTICE
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For an informal and conversational orientation to Zen practice, join us M/W/F on "Zoom" 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. To sign on, enter this code in your web browser: <https://us02web.zoom.us/j/378546533>. You will be asked to download the Zoom application (free).
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SUNDAY ZEN see 'Zen on Zoom' above
FAMILY ZEN (not meeting until further notice)
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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."
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.