Lovingkindness - February Family Program

For February's Family Program we explored the theme of lovingkindness as we celebrated Valentine's Day. We also experimented with our first hybrid Family Program, beginning the program with both online and in-person participants. We started by introducing ourselves and sharing something we had been noticing in nature, including the swirls of snow on the road, changing bird calls, snow curling as it slid off the roof, and no snow at all (from our friends in Iowa!). 

We then read the book All the Places We Love by Patricia MacLaughlin, with paintings by Mike Wimmer, in which a child is born and grows to learn to love and cherish all of the people and places around him, eventually passing on what he discovered to his new baby sister.

 Kenzan then led us in a lovingkindness meditation, as we shared love and appreciation for those we care about in our lives, and then expanded lovingkindness outward towards people we don't know, as well as the animals, plants and natural world of which we are a part. 

The in-person group then created Valentine's Day crafts, including pearler beads, origami, and tissue paper art. 

We snacked on delicious heart-shaped snacks and then made pine cone peanut butter bird feeders as a lovingkindness gift for the birds and squirrels.

Rev. Koun Franz, Guiding Kyoshi, Virtual Visit

 

Shao Shan Temple was honored by a virtual visit of Rev. Koun Franz on Tuesday evening, Feb. 10th.  Rev. Koun Franz is the abbot of Thousand Harbor Zen in Halifax, Nova Scotia and joined us in his capacity as Guiding Kyoshi of the newly forming denomination, Soto Zen North America.  In an engaging online talk, he wove together teachings and a vision of connection between Temples and sanghas.  With deep gratitude.

ANNUAL MEETING 2026

 

Shao Shan Temple's 2026 Annual Meeting took place on Saturday, February 7th.  

While most of our programs are focused on matters of spiritual practice; this program is different in that it focuses on the administrative and functional aspects of Shao Shan Temple - the ground of how the Temple functions and moves forward.   

The Annual Meeting participants had the opportunity to review the Temple Reports (Sangha Report, Program Report, Cemetery Report and the Financial Report) and ask questions.  The Annual Meeting this year was primarily in-person (with refreshments!) plus a limited online option.