OBON Ceremony - August 9th

OBON CEREMONY                      August 9th 2015

On Sunday evening, an intimate group gathered  to remember those who have gone before us - to honor and recognize our physical and spiritual ancestors.

The Obon ceremony began at the Temple and then proceeded by candlelight up to the Shao Shan Temple Cemetery where we chanted while circumambulating the Ceremonial Circle. The evening concluded with a dedication at the fire altar in front of the Temple.

Summer at Shao Shan Temple

Nature is thriving and abundant at Shao Shan Temple this time of year

Participants at Shao Shan Temple are frequently greeted on the path by Juno the white bunny.

A Deer family were recent visitors

Shao Shan Temple Garden is thriving

Nature Retreat - Honoring the land and facilities that support Shao Shan

NATURE RETREAT

On Sunday, July 19th amid impending thunderstorms a small group gathered to honor the land and facilities that are part of and support Shao Shan Temple.

Dramatic weather accompanied our canoe trip to and our ascent up Dumpling Mountain - the small mountain across the wetlands from the Temple.  Dumpling Mountain is part of Shao Shan Temple.  We carried up a sacred pole (that used to be in front of the temple) and planted it with ceremonies at the mountain peak.

New Sacred Pole atop Dumpling Mountain

Thank you to all who participated and to the wonderful land and nature that surrounds and supports us in our practice!

White Jewel Mountain

Ceremonial acknowledgement and gratitude was also given at the Temple, the Cemetery, the White Jewel Mountain Retreat, the vegetable garden, the Little Hall and the outhouses.

Family Program - July 11th

Family Program - July 11th

The monthly family program has become a stable component of Shao Shan Temple.  

This month the children made "mind jars" - jars with slow moving glitter.  

The shaken jars symbolized an agitated or angry mind and they watched the glitter slowly settle to the bottom             symbolizing a quieted mind.

Thanks to all participants and the family program "staff" for helping make the Family Program possible.

Jukai 2015

JUKAI 2015 at Shao Shan Temple

On Sunday July 5th, 2015,  Raven Bruce made the commitment of becoming a formal student of Shao Shan Temple.  She received the 16 precepts, her Buddhist name and has become Taihaku’s student.

Sharon Dube and Hiroko Wilson received the first five Bodhisattva precepts and have made their commitment to a Buddhist way of life.

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 Raven, Sharon and Hiroko are entering. 

With gratitude to all who joined in this spirit of renewal of our own commitments and intentions which support a life beneficial for all.