Prior to the Ceremony itself, there was the option of a time of meditation.
An important aspect of this (and future) year's Anniversary Ceremony is honoring Shao Shan Temple's founding abbot - Taihaku Nishiren Diaosho - who created, envisioned and manifested this beautiful place of practice.
Because the likelihood of rain, the first half of the ceremony was inside the Temple, creating an intimate atmosphere for honoring Taihaku-Roshi, before proceeding outside for tying on the vow/intention ribbons.
The ceremony was followed by a festive social-refreshments time. (and only after refreshments were ended did it start to rain!)
