Winter Solstice 2025

 At this time of the longest night, we gathered together to acknowledge the time of Winter Solstice.  With chanting, darkness and candlelight, we joined together in blessing in this time of transition - the longest night of the year and the returning of the light.

Shao Shan Temple offered two Winter Solstice Ceremonies - both an earlier in-person ceremony and later an online one - sharing the light and resting in a nourishing dark.

Rohatsu Sesshin 2025

 The Rohatsu Sesshin is a meditation retreat the first week in December.  This is a time of concentrated practice to commemorate Shakyamuni Buddha’s enlightenment upon seeing the morning star.  Temples around the world join in this practice.

The sesshin consisted primarily of sitting and walking meditation and also included oryoki breakfasts, lunch with food offering walks, an opening ceremony (Ryakufusatsu), brief dharma talks, and a celebratory closing ceremony.  

Japan Trip Sharing & Eye-Opening Ceremony

On November 22nd we had a special family-friendly Japan Trip Sharing after the usual Saturday morning program.  Those who went on the recent Sangha Japan Trip shared photos, stories and interesting food items from Japan.

We also had an "Eye-opening Ceremony" to welcome a new Kanzeon statue brought back from Japan (a gift from Rev. Eitoku).

Gathering in the sangha hall and sampling the Japanese snacks

 

Slideshow of photos from the Japan trip

Offering incense during the "Eye-Opening Ceremony"

Green tea mochi, rice crackers and other treats!

Japan Sangha Trip

Kenzan together with a group of Shao Shan Temple participants travelled to practice at two Temples in Japan - Ryuunji and Ryugonji.  This trip was an important time of solidifying our sangha connection with other Temples in our lineage and a wonderful experience for all who participated.

We gathered in Hiroshima where Shinjo-Roshi met us and brought us several hours northwest to Ryuunji Temple.

RYUUNJI TEMPLE 

Meal time at Ryuunji Temple

Ryuunji's main Buddha Hall - "Ryuunji" means "Dragon Cloud Temple"

Ryuunji's abbot - Shinjo Nohara Roshi

We then travelled for a day by car, north along the western coast of Japan to Ryugonji Temple in Kyototango.

RYUGONJI TEMPLE

Ryugonji - meditation & oryoki meals in the new Zendo

Ryugonji - large wooden fish struck for meals

Ryugonji's Abbot: Eitoku Kato Roshi

Deep gratitude to 

Rev. Shinjo & Rev. Eitoku for so generously hosting us, 

to all the participants on the trip and 

to all the sangha for supporting ongoing programs at Shao Shan during the trip.

Annual Remembrance Ceremony 2025

 

This year the Annual Remembrance Ceremony took place Sunday evening, October 5th.  The beautiful evening ceremony was surrounded by candles and took place both in front of the Temple and in the cemetery. 

The Annual Remembrance Ceremony is a time to honor deceased loved ones, our spiritual lineage and those who are interred in the Shao Shan Temple Cemetery.

This ceremony also includes elements of the Japanese Obon Ceremony - a time to honor the ancestors and to invite them to be with us for a celebration.

A new cemetery gate was completed just in time for the Remembrance Ceremony.