Autumn Meditation Retreat 2026

 

October 16-18, 2026 was Shao Shan Temple's Autumn Sesshin (meditation retreat).  An intensive weekend of sitting and walking meditation, semi-formal meals, Dharma readings and Dokusan(individual meetings) with the option of full or partial participation.  

As often happens during the October Sesshin, there were the first snow flakes of the season! Auspicious!

Annual Remembrance Ceremony 2026

 

This year the Annual Remembrance Ceremony took place Saturday evening, October 3rd.  The beautiful evening ceremony was surrounded by candles and took place both in front of the Temple and in the cemetery.  A small intimate occasion amidst golden evening leaves.

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.

Garden Work Day/Closing /Harvest Potluck 2026

 On a October 3rd, we gathered to for a garden work day, season-closing ceremony and a harvest potluck.  

We began with a Garden-Closing Ceremony - expressing gratitude for all that had made the garden possible and apologies to all beings harmed in the gardening process. 

The sun shone and golden leaves drifted through the air as many hands made light work of the big jobs of weeding, harvesting and redoing the garden fence.  Thirteen(!) huge garden posts were replaced.  Children helped measure the post hole depth by standing in the holes!  We filled buckets with the harvest of carrots,and beets and more.  

The work was followed by a delicious Harvest Potluck.

26th Anniversary Celebration/Ceremony!

 On Sunday, September 13th, we commemorated Shao Shan Temple's 26th Anniversary - 26 years since the Opening Ceremony in the year 2000.  

Prior to the Ceremony itself, there was the option of a time of meditation.

An important aspect of Anniversary Ceremonies now is honoring Shao Shan Temple's founding abbot - Taihaku Nishiren Diaosho - who created, envisioned and manifested this beautiful place of practice.  There was the option of offering incense for her during the Heart Sutra chanting

The Shao Shan Anniversary has for many years included tying ribbons with our intentions onto the gold pole in front of the Temple while chanting "Namu Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo" and that tradition was continued this year.  

The celebration was followed with abundant refreshments and fiddle music!

September Introduction to Shao Shan Temple

 

Saturday morning, September 5th, amidst trees heavily laden with crabapples, was an in-person "Introduction to Shao Shan Temple" program.  Fifteen new people travelled from near and far to come together to learn about Shao Shan programs.  Julie joined as a sangha representative.  The Introduction program offers an overview of the Temple, history, programs offered, a short guided meditation, the opportunity to ask questions and a brief tour of the grounds.