Japan Trip Presentation

An enthusiastic group braved pouring rain to take a vicarious trip together - the Tuesday evening study group on Oct. 24th was replaced by a Japan trip slide show evening.
Taihaku and Stella recounted their adventures in Japan and China accompanied by photos, upside-down videos and much laughter.

Autumn Sesshin & Kanzeon Eye-Opening

October 20th-22nd was Shao Shan Temple's autumn sesshin (meditation retreat).  Amid the sunny warm autumn days, this year's sesshin was well-attended and inspirational.

One highlight of this retreat was also the unveiling of a Kanzeon Bodhisattva statue that was a gift from Ryuunji Temple in Japan (Shinjo).  An "Eye-Opening Ceremony" for the new statue was part of the Sesshin.  Other highlights included a dharma talk by Rev. Taihaku on teachings from her Japan trip and delicious meals from fresh garden produce!

Zazen

Food offering walk

Food offering

Dharma Talk

Kanzeon Statue - gift from Ryuunji to Shao Shan Temple

Eye-Opening Ceremony

Rev. Taihaku and Stella return from Japan!

Rev. Taihaku Priest traveled to Japan from October 4th-16th accompanied 

by Stella Marrie as her Jisha (assistant).  

They report that their trip was wonderful and full of miraculous, magical moments.  

They were together with Rev. Shinjo Nohara for most of the trip.  

Shinjo-san is the abbot of the beautiful temple of Ryuunji in southern Japan.  

The primary purpose of the trip was to be present for the Kaisanki and "solving of the road-problem" ceremonies at Hokyoji (the monastery where Taihaku trained)

Welcome Home!

Ryuunji (Shinjo's temple)

Taihaku(center), Shinjo(right), Stella(left) at Eihiji

Taihaku at Hokyoji

At Jakuen-Zenji's Zazen Rock

Docho-san with Taihaku

Docho-san with Shinjo and Taihaku at the ceremony to celebrate solving the road problem.

Hokyoji Docho-san

October Family Program - leaves, leaves, leaves

LEAVES!

The family program this month enjoyed a number of leaf&tree focused activities.  

Foremost for the children was raking together a leaf pile to jump in !!! 

The time also included meditation and mindfulness activities.

Sitting under the Bodhi Tree

Find-your-tree

Snack time!

Memorial Ceremony

Shao Shan Temple's annual Memorial Ceremony took place Friday evening October 13th.  

This occasion honoring those who have gone before - 

our ancestors, spiritual ancestors and loved ones.  

Beginning just after sunset, we chanted the Soto Zen lineage in the Temple and then - in candlelight procession- proceeded up to the cemetery for remembrance chanting there.  The tiki torches and candles illuminated the cemetery as the daylight faded.

May Universal Brilliance Prevail!