Introduction to Shao Shan & Creating Your Sacred Space

 
Sunday, Nov 29, was again the online "Introduction to Shao Shan Temple" program.  This program offers an overview of the Temple, history, programs offered, an introduction to meditation and the opportunity to ask questions.  Judy participated as sangha representative and there were 8 new people in attendance.

 Since, with the ongoing pandemic, having a home place of practice takes on an added importance, this month there was also a follow-up program - "Creating Your Sacred Space".  We looked together at what can be helpful in creating a meditation practice place in your home.  Thank you to Max and Donna for sharing a view of their home altars.

The next Introduction to Shao Shan program will be Sunday, January 3rd at 10am.  It is already possible to register! Register here.

Thanksgiving Day Program

 

Shao Shan Temple usually does not have a Thanksgiving Day program - rather encouraging people to spend time with their families.  However, this year, with many people not being able to be with family for Thanksgiving due to Covid-19, we had an online Thanksgiving Day Ceremony.

The program included a formal food offering at the altar and chanting.  Everyone was invited to have a piece of food with them to have part as a food offering and part to eat together.  We chanted the 5 Remembrances and looked together at their meaning.  There was an opportunity for each person to share something they are grateful for followed by a resonate bell allowing the expression of gratitude to permeate all.

May we appreciate the bounty of loved ones, friendship and community.

May we recognize the bounty of sustenance, warmth, and fellowship.

May we value the bounty of justice, virtue and truth.

Zazenkai on the "Universally Recommended Instructions for Zazen"

 Sunday, November 15th, was an online 1/2 day meditation retreat (Zazankai).  

The theme for this month's Zazenkai was Dogen Zenji's Fukanzazengi - "Universally Recommended Instructions for Zazen".  The day's program included opening& closing ceremonies, zazen, kinhin(walking meditation), readings from the Fukanzazengi and a Dharma Talk on the topic.

You have gained the pivotal opportunity of human form. Do not pass your days and nights in vain. You are taking care of the essential activity of the buddha-way. Who would take wasteful delight in the spark from a flintstone? Besides, form and substance are like the dew on the grass, the fortunes of life like a dart of lightning --emptied in an instant, vanished in a flash.

Please, honored followers of Zen, long accustomed to groping for the elephant, do not doubt the true dragon. Devote your energies to the way of direct pointing at the real. Revere the one who has gone beyond learning and is free from effort. Accord with the enlightenment of all the buddhas; succeed to the samadhi of all the ancestors. Continue to live in such a way, and you will be such a person. The treasure store will open of itself, and you may enjoy it freely.

                     excerpt from Dogen Zenji's Fukanzazengi - "Universally Recommended Instructions for Zazen"

With Gratitude - the Children's Program

 

For November's Children's Program, we explored the theme of gratitude. 

We first shared some of the changes in nature that we've been noticing, such as the increased darkness and cold, the beginnings of snow, beautiful sunsets, and the quiet gardens put to bed. We then talked about the Thanksgiving holiday, how it will likely be different this year for many because of the pandemic, that it's okay to feel some sadness around that, and that we can still remember what we're grateful for while also feeling sad at the same time.

We then read a modified version of The Thank You Book by Mo Willems. In the modified version Piggie and Gerald the Elephant thanked the many dolls and stuffed animals that have helped teach us so many life lessons during the various virtual Children's Programs since the pandemic began, culminating with thanking all of the amazing Children's Program participants for making the program possible. 

Finally, we each shared something that we're feeling grateful for, ranging from having a cozy home and a loving family to yummy foods and the whirling of the wind. We ended by listening to the ringing of the bell, letting our gratitude soak in and spread out.

Chanting for the Wellbeing of the World

 As one of Shao Shan Temple’s responses to the pandemic and upcoming election, we joined together today (virtually)  to chant for the well being of our sangha, state, country and the world.  We chanted “Namu Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo”, a chant that is often done as a prayer for world peace.

Drum with "Namu Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo" written on it

The chanting is for the well-being of the world and also the well-being of our own minds.  

May the energy of our voices and our intention resonate out into the world to be of benefit.