Winter Solstice Ceremony

At this time of the longest night, we gathered together at Shao Shan Temple for a Winter Solstice Ceremony.  With times of silence and chanting, candlelight and darkness, we touched the depths of connection and blessing in this transitioning time of dark and light.

"Tonight, you can trust that any direction you go, you will be walking toward the emerging light." - Jan Richardson

High School Class visit

A World Religions class from Montpelier High School came to visit Shao Shan Temple on Thursday, Dec. 19th.  The group of 30+ students crowded into the Zendo for an introduction to Buddhism and a guided meditation experience.  We were happy to welcome this group of respectful, curious and intelligent young people.

2020 New Year's Greetings are coming!

Shao Shan Temple's 

2020 New Year's Greetings 

are in the mail!  

Below is the message on the back of each.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2020

This prayer tablet is an expression of Shao Shan Temple’s deep wishes and dedication to the welfare of the community.  It is a bridge between the temple and your everyday practice

This has been placed on the temple’s altar - it has been charged with the great energy of faith and courage. 

This prayer tablet is designed to be displayed in your home to bring peace and protection for the upcoming year.

This year’s message is

INSIGHT-

OPEN

( KI-KAI )

May peace and blessings extend from your home to the wider world in the upcoming year.

Each card is hand-stamped

Rohatsu Sesshin - Buddha's Enlightenment Meditation Retreat

The Rohatsu Sesshin is a meditation retreat held annually at Shao Shan Temple the first week in December.  This is a time of concentrated practice to commemorate Shakyamuni Buddha’s enlightenment 

upon seeing the morning star.

This year, Rohatsu Sesshin was from November 29th to December 6th, with each day focused on sitting and walking meditation.  In addition, there were delicious garden vegetable meals and Oryoki breakfast.  Each afternoon included a dharma talk -- this year the series of talks was based on the 

Seven Factors of Awakening.