Several Shao Shan Temple sangha members have begun making masks to donate to medical facilities or others who need them. Donna, one of the Shao Shan sewing leaders, is coordinating and organizing this effort. People are working in their own homes - one person donating fabric, another cutting fabric, another transporting cut fabric to someone with a sewing machine, yet another person sewing the mask.
As those who have made a rakusu or wagesa know, sewing can be a kind of moving meditation - adding a prayer with every stitch. Mask sewers are encouraged to also use the "Namu Kie Butsu" mantra that our prayers may go out to the wider community.
Some of the first masks have been donated to nurses at Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice and we've heard they were very happy to receive them!
Thanks to all involved in this way of bringing our practice to those in need during this Covid-19 pandemic. If you are interested to join this effort, please let us know.
The pattern being used is https://www.cvmc.org/covid-19-information/sewing-masks-donations
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| Donna preparing fabric |
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| Clara with some of the first completed masks |
NAMU KIE BUTSU
NAMU KIE HO
NAMU KIE SO
(the mantra used in sewing)
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| Material cut for kids masks |
