Monday, October 29, 2018

October Sesshin + Rev. Kenzan - Vice Abbot

Amidst snow and rain, this past weekend's autumn sesshin was well attended with a strong group participating for the full sesshin.  

















Rev. Kenzan Seidenberg was formally acknowledged as Shao Shan Temple's Vice Abbot.  He was officially appointed to this position on September 28, 2018.  Rev. Kenzan also gave this sesshin's  Dharma Talk on the topic of "Holding Opposites".  

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Special Study Group Guest Speakers: Geshe Cheme

Shao Shan Temple was honored to host Geshe Cheme Tsering  - Resident teacher and interpreter at the Trijang Buddhist Institute (TBI).  Geshe Cheme spoke to us on the Tibetan Buddhist perspective on death and dying.  

Regular Shao Shan Temple participants and guests gathered to hear his engaging and inspiring talk.





















Also earlier, on October 6th,  Patsy Fortney came and spoke to the Saturday study group on the topic of grief.  Patsy is a chaplain at Central Vermont Medical Center.

Grateful thanks to both Geshe Cheme and Patsy Fortney for the enriching expert perspective that they have brought to our study group.

Sunday, October 21, 2018

Sewing Meditation Practice

On Saturday, October 20th, there was a "book cover sewing day" at Shao Shan Temple.  This was an opportunity for participants to create a book bag to carry Dharma Books in, but more importantly an opportunity to learn and practice the "sewing practice".  The Sewing Practice of chanting a prayer with each stitch is a kind of moving meditation.  The Little Hall resonated in stillness as they group immersed into this sewing meditation.

Teaching the stitch



Namu kie Butsu
Namu kie Ho
Namu kie So


Sunday, October 14, 2018

Colorful Leaf Mandalas and Impermanence



The children in the October family program made a colorful autumn mandala of leaves and ferns, flowers and sticks ...


they talked about impermanence ...

and returned the mandala back to the earth!

Annual Remembrance Ceremony

The Annual Remembrance Ceremony took place Friday evening October 12th.  The dark evening was magically lit with candle and firelight.

There was time to honor deceased loved ones, the spiritual lineage and those who are interred in the Shao Shan Temple Cemetery.

The evening included a candlelight procession up to the cemetery and chanting. This was the first year that Annual Remembrance Ceremony included the new Communal Shrine.







Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Firewood Stacking!


As the days grow colder and the foliage turns reds and oranges, the work practice at Shao Shan Temple also changes with the seasons.  Several groups have joined in stacking firewood as we begin getting ready for winter.  This is one of the unique work practices where we all join together in the same task accompanied by chanting.




Thanks to all who have assisted with this year's firewood stacking! 

Teen-Youth Day - Sept. 29

An enthusiastic group of teens& preteens came for Shao Shan Temple's first youth program designed specifically for the 11-15 age group.  The day included a variety of activities - meditation, an outside mindfulness activity, work practice, lunch and discussion.  The theme of the program was "Finding Our Way: An exploration of mindfulness, nature and community".

We look forward to the Teen-Youth program continuing and developing!