Winter Practice Period 2023

From March 1st - 21st, 2023, Shao Shan Temple

was immersed in a Winter Practice Period. 

The Practice Period was designed to provide an opportunity for sangha members to make a individual commitment to intensive practice during these three weeks. There were opportunities for extended sitting,  experiencing the new chant, additional in-person & online practice times, a full weekend sesshin and Dharma talks by visiting teachers.

The theme for the Practice Period was the “Affirming Faith in Mind” (HsinHsinMing), an early Chinese poem which is a core Zen text in both the Soto and Rinzai traditions. The Dharma Talks all focused on this text and it was chanted in several programs each week. 

Sangha members expressed that this intensive time was rejuvenating for their practice. 

Rev.Shinshu from Ocean Gate Zen Center (Online Dharma Talk - 3/7/23)

Rev. Jisho Siebert of Zen Fields (Online Dharma Talk - 3/14/23)

Rev. Gendo Field of Upper Valley Zen Center (In-person Dharma Talk - 3/18/23)

The Winter Practice Period ended with a Spring Equinox Ceremony on March 21st