25th Anniversary Ceremony/Celebration

 

On Sunday, September 14, 2025, we celebrated Shao Shan Temple's 25th Anniversary.  This momentous occasion combined ceremony and celebration with the full afternoon program having several phases: 

Meditation - the Temple was open for sitting meditation, 

Honoring the Temple Founder, Taihaku Nishiren Daiosho - we chanted the Heart Sutra and the Dharma Lineage and offered incense

Honoring the first Sangha Elder - Honoring Kinsho Max Schlueter as Shao Shan Temple's first Sangha Elder.

Dedicating the new Bell Pavilion - the construction of the new bell pavilion was completed just a few days before the ceremony.  The bell sent to Shao Shan from Ryuunji Temple in Japan is housed in a stunning small pavilion that matches the unique Shao Shan Temple style.

Vows/Intentions - a primary part of our annual Anniversary Ceremony, we then tied ribbons onto the Temple gold pole with our highest aspiration.

Taiko drumming - we were honored to have the Burlington Taiko Drummers perform.  They were also part of the original Temple Opening Ceremony! (9/13/2000)

And closing with refreshments & social time & fiddle playing!