Open House - August 21

 Shao Shan Temple hosted its 5th annual Open House on Sunday August 21st. 

This was an opportunity for people who practice here at Shao Shan Temple to invite family and friends to experience the temple on a more informal occasion.  Due to covid and other factors this was the first in-person Open House since 2019!   

The Open House included an introduction to the Temple and Zen Buddhism, a time for questions, an introduction to meditation, a tour of buildings& grounds, refreshments, and the option of hiking up to the mountain retreat.  Sangha representatives Stella, Julie, Max and Heather assisted and shared their experience of being part of Shao Shan Temple.

A warm welcome to all who came to visit the Temple for the first time on Sunday!

Summer Practice Days - August 4-6

A new program sprouted at Shao Shan Temple this past week!  The Summer Practice Days (quickly nicknamed "Zen Summer Camp") was a fun and inspirational time of practice for participants of all ages.

Most of our programs are either oriented towards families or towards adults.  This several day period, August 4-6, of Temple Practice allowed all of the community to come together.  The program included a combination of activities for adults and children separately, and activities for the whole Temple Community together. 

Adults had time for meditation, discussion on bringing practice into daily life, work practice and activities together with the children.

The children's activities were varied including a brief time each day inside the Temple, art projects, mindfulness games outside in nature and working in the garden.

The program closed with a potluck lunch.

July Meditation Weekend

This Saturday and Sunday, July 23rd & 24th, was a meditation retreat weekend. Amidst sweltering temperatures, dedicated practitioners joined for half-day or full-day sittings. The two day program included opening and closing ceremonies, zazen (sitting meditation), kinhin (walking meditation) and a dharma talk by Rev. Kenzan on the topic of "Simply doing the next thing".

 

Animal Friend / Pet Blessing

  An intimate group of animals and their human friends came together on Saturday, July 9th for a lighthearted Animal Friend / Pet blessing.  Each pet/animal friend received a blessing and a certificate.  

This was followed by a procession down to the Pet Cemetery to honor deceased pets and animal friends.  

May all beings be happy!

Jukai - Bodhisattva Vows - July 3, 2022

Shao Shan Temple

Sunday, July 3, 2022

The ancient formal ceremony of Jukai was held on Sunday.  This year Scott Fields made the commitment to become a formal student of Shao Shan Temple.  He received the 16 precepts, a Buddhist name and has become Kenzan’s student.  Scott's Dharma Name is HON-CHU meaning True Center.

This ceremony was an occasion for the families and friends of those receiving the precepts and Sangha members to join together in support of the commitment that Scott is entering.  It was followed by light refreshments.

Thanks to all who joined in a spirit of renewal and intentions which support a life beneficial for all.