At this time of the longest night, we gathered together to acknowledge the time of Winter Solstice. With chanting, darkness and candlelight, we joined together in blessing in this time of transition - the longest night of the year and the returning of the light.
The Rohatsu Sesshin is a meditation retreat the first week in December. This is a time of concentrated practice to commemorate Shakyamuni Buddha’s enlightenment upon seeing the morning star. Temples around the world join in this practice.
The sesshin consisted primarily of sitting and walking meditation and also included oryoki breakfasts, lunch with food offering walks, an opening ceremony (Ryakufusatsu), brief dharma talks, and a celebratory closing ceremony.
