Of Snow and Impermanence (family program)

For the Children's Program we experimented with snow as an exploration of the theme of impermanence. We brought snow inside (as it was very cold!), looked at snow crystals with magnifying glasses, melted the snow with our breathing, built snow sculptures, and painted on Buddha Boards with melting snow. We then watched the paintings on the Buddha Boards fade away, as snow turned to water and then to air.

 

Next, we went into the Zendo of the Temple, where we continued to experience impermanence, as Kenzan entered the room wearing a hat, rang the bell, said goodbye, disappeared, and returned wearing a different hat. This happened multiple times, and each time the effects of Kenzan could still be heard in the ringing of the bell, even when Kenzan couldn't be seen.