2023 Branching Streams Gathering Program

More details to be provided as we get closer to the Gathering, but the times are not expected to change much.

Day 1, Monday Sept 18

  • 4-6pm Arrival and registration at Villa Maria del Mar
  • 6-7 pm Dinner
  • 7:30 – 9pm Opening Gathering in Seaview Room 

Day 2, Tuesday Sept 19

  • 6:45 – 7:30am Zazen and service (zendo attire)
  • 8:00 – 8:45 Breakfast (coffee/tea and snacks available throughout the day)
  • 9:00 – 10:00  Organizing Session (see website for more information about the meeting structure)
    • 10:15 – 11:15 Break out Session 1
    • 11:15-12:30  Break out Session 2
  • 12:30 – 1:15 Lunch
    •  1:30-2:45 Break out Session 3 
    •  2:45-4:00 Break out Session 4
    •  4:00-5:00 speed talks (each sangha will have a chance to give a 2 min or less update describing recent news and events in their community. This is meant to be a quick, fun, informal and informative way for us to hear from each sangha that wants to share)

See any shared notes for the breakout groups here

  • 5:15 – 5:55 pm Evening zazen and short service (informal dress)
  • 6 – 7pm Dinner
  • 7:30 – 8:30pm  Poetry with Danusha Laméris

Day 3, Wednesday, Sept 20

  • 6:45 – 7:30am Zazen and service (zendo attire)
  • 8:00 – 8:45     Breakfast (coffee/tea and snacks available throughout the day)
  • 9:00 – 9:45  Organizing Session
    • 10:00 – 11:15 Break out Session 1
    • 11:15-12:30  Break out Session 2
  • 12:30 – 1:15 Lunch
    •  1:30-2:45 Break out Session 3 
    •  2:45-4:00 Break out Session 4
  • 4:00-5:00 Closing Circle (end of open space portion of Gathering)
  • 5:15 – 5:50  Evening zazen and short service (informal dress)
  • 6 – 7 Dinner
  • 7:30 – 8:30pm  No Talent Show

Day 4, Thursday, Sept 21

  • 6:45 – 7:30am Zazen and well-being/memorial service (zendo attire)
  • 7:30 – 7:45am group photo in zendo attire
  • 8:00 – 8:45 Breakfast
  • 9 – 11:45am Closing Activities. 
  • 12 – 12:45  Lunch
  • Departures and checkout by 2pm
  • 1:30 – 4:30  Receptions at Open Gate and Santa Cruz Zen Centers