Spring Equinox online Zazenkai

Sunday, March 21st, was an online 1/2 day meditation retreat (Zazenkai).  

We joined together online supporting one another in a morning of intensive practice. The day's program included opening & closing ceremonies, zazen(sitting meditation), kinhin(walking meditation), and a Dharma Talk.  For the occasion of Spring Equinox, Rev. Taihaku's Dharma Talk was on "The Dharma Presented by Spring"

Spring is coming! - children's program

 

For the March Children's Program, we celebrated the coming of Spring. We first shared different signs of Spring that we've been noticing in nature (melting snow, warmer temperatures, more daylight, returning birds...). We then read and acted out the book When Spring Comes, written by Kevin Henkes and illustrated by Laura Dronzek. The story depicts various ways in which Spring changes from cold, wet and muddy to flowery, green and abundant, and how it can change its mind a lot in between. We then planted a zinnia seed in a pot, which we will watch grow from month to month during future Children's Programs. Finally, we practiced being seeds waiting quietly in the soil before sprouting into the sunlight, listened to the ringing of the big temple bell, and did a group "OM" to close.

Participants sharing about what they've
noticed in nature 

Practicing with Aging- A Panel Guided Discussion

 

On Sunday, March 7th Shao Shan Temple hosted an online program entitled Practicing with Aging: A Panel-Guided Discussion. Panel participants were Judy, Max, and Glenda.  Participants were invited to submit topics or questions in advance and these were collected into themes of: "Aging and Practice", "Practicing with Challenges" and "Aging Gratefully".  An engaged group of participants joined in sharing experiences both serious and light-hearted- exploring together how the aging process can be supported by the dharma teachings and practice.  Midway through the program, Donna led a series of stretching exercises to complement the sitting meditation practice.

Practitioners joining together for sincere exploration on a sunny Sunday afternoon

The panelists initiated the topics and then opened it up for group discussion

Donna leading stretching exercises to complement the sitting meditation practice.

March Introduction to Shao Shan Temple

Sunday, March 7th, was our fifth 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.  Julie participated as sangha representative and 8 new people participated.

Outside "tour" of the Temple

Kenzan leading meditation instruction

This month, we are also offering a weekday evening Introduction to Shao Shan program Wednesday, March 10th at 7pm.  Registration for the next Introduction program is possible on the website .