Cemetery - Communal Shrine

In memory of

HARVEY (TAD) MURDOCK

 10/29/1927—3/27/2018

Tad Murdock, of Burlington, Vermont, passed away in March of this year.  

Tad was an active Shao Shan Temple sangha member for several years and is now the first interment in Shao Shan Temple Cemetery's Communal Shrine.  

The Communal Shrine will allow interment in Shao Shan Temple Cemetery without individual lot and memorial stone.  The Shrine structure is still under construction.  

If you would like to make a donation in Tad's memory to the construction, please donate and indicate that it is for the Cemetery, in memory of Tad Murdock.

Tad's memorial table

Shao Shan Temple Cemetery Communal Shrine location

Under Construction shrine

Connie's Pond

The parcel of land between Shao Shan Temple and County Rd was purchased.  This will become part of Shao Shan Temple at the time of the land transfer.

Connie French gave a generous donation which paid a portion of the land price.  In gratitude, the wetland has been named "Connie's Pond"!

The mealtime food offering walk will now be going to Connie's Pond.

Path down to the new food offering spot

Animal Friend/ Pet Blessing

A joyful group came together on Saturday, June 23rd for a lighthearted Animal Friend / Pet blessing.  The first part of this year's Pet Blessing was held in the screen house due to rain - each pet received a blessing and a certificate.  This was followed by a procession down to the Pet Cemetery to honor deceased pets and animal friends

May all Beings be Happy!

Summer Solstice - June 21

On a bright clear-skied perfect Vermont summer day a small group gathered to mark the occasion of the longest day.  The Summer Solstice Ceremony included readings and chants focused on Light and Lovingkindness and chanting and bowing outside on the grass around the fire altar.  

Rev. Taihaku spoke about the original bow - acknowledging our place here between the sky and earth and touching our head to the ground in gratitude.

May all Awakened Beings manifest their luminous miracle wisdom.

May the light of goodness dispel the darkness of illusion.

May we recognize the ever-changing nature of the Universe , mindful of the transience of each moment.

On this longest day of the year, we have gathered to mark the turning of the season.  Knowing that Earth, Grass, Trees and all Beings engage in Buddha’s intimate activity, we give thanks for the abundant golden gifts and benefits we have received.

Through light and dark may the wheel of Buddhadharma turn endlessly

Annual Meeting & New Parking Lot

Shao Shan Temple's Annual Meeting took place on Saturday, June 9th at the Temple's Little Hall.  Participants had the opportunity to review the Sangha Report, Program Report, Cemetery Report and the Financial Report and ask questions or offer feedback.  Future plans and fundraising were explored.  The meeting reverberated with positive energy and laughter and many expressed feeling invigorated in their participation and support of Shao Shan Temple.

Saturday was also the opening of the new lower parking lot!  

There was a brief opening ceremony and ribbon-cutting in the early morning.  

Then the parking lot was open and actively used for the Annual meeting.

Earlier photos of parking lot construction: