Wagesa Sewing Day

Wagesa Sewing Day

The first step commitment available at Shao Shan Temple is receiving the first five precepts.  With this step, a person receives a wagesa - a minature Buddha's robe.  This year, participants are sewing their own Wagesas, putting in a prayer ("Namu Kie Butsu") with each stitch. Five sangha members began this process today in preparation for the July 2nd ceremony.

Special thanks again 

to our sewing teachers: 

Donna, Judy and Kathleen!

Rakusu Sewing begins

Three sangha members have asked to make the commitment of becoming formal students at Shao Shan Temple: Max, Susan and Sharon.  They have recently begun the process of sewing rakusus for the Jukai ceremony on July 2nd, 2017.  The sewing process is a meditation practice with a prayer in each stitch ("Namu Kie Butsu").

Special thanks to our sewing teachers: Donna O'Malley and Judy Harden and also joining this year as a sewing-teacher-in-training is Kathleen Daye.

Valentines Family Program

In the February 11th Family program, the children made valentines and then had an opportunity to sanctify their valentines over incense.  Parents met together to discuss how to support their children from a Buddhist perspective.

Inauguration Day sitting and ceremony

We joined together on inauguration day for a time of silent meditation and for a ceremony to attend to the new American president's vow in a prayerful context. In accord with our highest principles and values, we invited all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to support the safety and well-being of our country and the world.

Shao Shan Temple altar with copy of U.S. Constitution and world globe. 

May the penetrating light of wisdom dispel the darkness of illusion.

May all harmful karma be dissolved and the mind flower bloom in eternal spring.

May our sangha and communities be peaceful and harmonious.

May the citizens of our land be safe and content.

May our nation’s leaders be filled with goodness, wisdom and courage.

May peace prevail in our communities.

May peace prevail in the nation.

May peace prevail on earth.

May our joyful practice radiate a vast and compassionate mind for all beings.

Exploring clementines, colors and blessings

In today's family program, the children and teens explored  clementines -closely examining their color, smell, texture and shape.  They also did an experiment of giving attention to a particular color and noticing how that affected their awareness.  When they came back together with the parents at the temple we all did blessing for self, friends, family members, pets and all beings.