Shao Shan Temple Mourns Its
Founding Abbot
by Max Schlueter
49-Day Period of Noble Silence
The Buddhist tradition recognizes the 49 days immediately following a person’s
passing as vitally important. In order to honor and venerate her spirit through
this transition and take the proper time to grieve and align with the deep
impression of impermanence that her absence brings, Shao Shan entered a 49-day
period of quiet reflection following her passing. During this time, except for
essential speech, there was no talking at the temple. All major
celebrations and special ceremonies were cancelled or postponed.
In addition to Noble Silence, other practices and programs were observed
including:
- Individuals
were able to sit private vigils in the temple for Rev. Taihaku for
the five days after her passing;
- Daily
meditations and services were dedicated in memory of Rev. Taihaku;
- Study
Group discussions focused on Rev. Taihaku's teachings;
- Fellowship
times were scheduled after Saturday in-person programs to facilitate
coming together informally as a community to process the loss of Rev. Taihaku;
- Private
meeting times for sangha members were made available with Rev. Kenzan
for practicing with this grief; and
- The
monthly Children's Program honored and remembered Rev. Taihaku.
The 49-day period of Noble Silence and official mourning
ended on July 11. There was an online ceremony to mark the end of this
special time. Many shared their gratitude for Rev. Taihaku's
passionate enthusiasm, her heartfelt caring, her authentic dedication, and her
embodiment of the Dharma. Even as we closed this formal time of mourning, her
presence continued to be felt through the temple to inspire us in our
practice.
Memorial Service
On May 30, a Memorial Service for Rev. Taihaku was held at Shao Shan
Temple. Her family, members of the temple sangha, many friends, and the ravens
nesting on the property attended the outdoor ceremony.
Rev. Ejo McMullen, Abbot of the Buddha Eye Zen Community Temple in Eugene,
Oregon, and Rev. Kenzan Seidenberg, then Vice-Abbot, led the services. The
ceremony included chants venerating the Buddha and the founding Abbot of Shao
Shan. Eben Broadbent, Rev. Taihaku’s son, delivered a touching and
comforting eulogy. Members of the family, sangha, and the community were
invited to share their memories of Rev. Taihaku and her teachings, offer
incense, and participate in a procession around the temple accompanied by
bells, cymbals, the trumpeting of a conch, and the beating of drums. Rev.
Kenzan offered words of remembrance and encouragement to close the ceremony.
Following the ceremony, refreshments were provided by the family and all joined
in fellowship to remember Rev. Taihaku’s life among us. Click here
to view a video of the service created by Robin Grant.
Honso (Abbot's Funeral)
On Saturday and Sunday, September 4 and 5, an Abbot’s Funeral (Honso) was held
at Shao Shan Temple and on Zoom for Rev. Taihaku Nishiren Priest, Founding
Abbot. Her children, visiting priests from around the United States,
members of the temple sangha, neighbors, and friends attended the outdoor
ceremony. To keep everyone safe, strict Covid protocols were followed.
The Chief Officiant was Rev. Gengo Akiba, Bishop of North American Soto Zen,
and Abbot of Kojin-an, Oakland Zen Center, Oakland, California. Also
officiating at the ceremonies were Rev. Konjin Godwin, Director of the
International Division of Soto Zen, North America and Abbot of the Houston Zen
Center, Houston, Texas, and Rev. Ejo McMullen, Abbot of Buddha Eye Temple,
Eugene, Oregon. Rev. Kenzan also participated in the service along with six
other priests. During the service, three Dharma verses for Rev.
Taihaku were offered by visiting priests. They can be read by clicking here.
Following the ceremony, refreshments were provided and all joined in fellowship
to remember Rev. Taihaku’s life among us.
Click here to see a brief slide show
of the service. A video of the service will be available some time in the
future.
