On a perfect-weather late-summer day, we gathered at Shao Shan Temple to acknowledge and pay respect to the greater nature that supports our practice. This included a modified version of a ceremony done in Japan for blessings in gratitude to the protecting Spirits of the Land.
This year, one group stayed at the Temple, sitting meditation while the other group hiked to the "power spots" on the land - the White Jewel Mountain Retreat and Little Sacred Mountain. With amazingly synchronistic bells, chants and conches, those pilgrimaging remained in connection with the Temple home-base. Each participant prepared a brief prayer of gratitude for a specific location and offered it as part of the ceremonies.
Nature joined in joyfully with our procession being led by a leopard frog and a humming bird audience for the garden serenade!
With deep gratitude to the wondrous nature
that supports our practice!
