Work Day - June 23rd, 2013

A grateful Thank You to all who joined us today for the work day to finish the preparations for the Japanese Monks' arrival and the start of the Summer Ango!

Starting circle for Work Day

Leveling the ground in the Screen House

Screen House

Cleaning the Little Hall

Sealing the Screen House against insects

Trimming the Little Hall siding

First public meal in the new Screen House!

Nipponzan Myohoji monk - Ishibashi-Shonin visits

Inviting us to come see the Bodhisattva

Shao Shan Temple has been honored to welcome Ishibashi-Shonin (Oshonin-san). Oshonin-san is a Nipponzan Myohoji monk who lives in Tokyo, Japan.  He was instrumental in the founding of Shao Shan Temple in 1997.

The Wednesday morning group on June5th got to experience both his chanting and his playfulness. 

All of the beautiful rock gardens at Shao Shan were initially created by Oshonin-san and with this visit he has created a new one near the Little Hall and re-enlivened the one he made last year near the parking lot.  We are grateful for these beautiful landscape works of art that he has provided.

Screen Room Construction

A huge THANK YOU to Greg Wallace and his construction crew
for the donated labor constructing the Screen Room off the front of the wood shed. 
This temporary structure will be the eating area for the summer's Intensive Practice Period.

 

 

 

 

Buddha's Birthday!

Saturday, May 11th, Celebrated
Buddha's Birthday at Shao Shan Temple!  
Despite the unsettled weather, 40+ people came together for this joyous occasion.
The afternoon began with period of silent meditation followed by a
noble procession with bells and parasols.
We returned to the Temple to offer sweet water to the Baby Buddha accompanied by chanting.
The afternoon concluded with social refershment time.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this joyous spring awakening event! 

 

Goodbye Tea Party for Shinjo-san & Satomi-san

We have been honored to have Rev. Shinjo-san as a guest at Shao Shan Temple the past three months and to also host Satomi-san this past week.
Both are leaving tomorrow to return to Japan. 
This morning a spontaneous tea party occured at the end of study group as the farewell to them both.
Thank you both and we look forward to seeing Shinjo again in June.