2026 New Year's Greeting Cards

Shao Shan Temple's

2026 New Year's Greetings

Below is the message on the back of each.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR

2026

This prayer tablet is an expression of Shao Shan Temple’s deep wishes and dedication to the welfare of the community.  It is a bridge between the temple and your everyday practice

This has been placed on the temple’s altar - it has been charged with the great energy of faith and courage. 

This prayer tablet is designed to be displayed in your home to bring peace and protection for the upcoming year.

This year’s message is

BLESSING 

WIND

( KEI – FUU)

May peace and blessings extend from your home to the wider world in the upcoming year.

Each card is hand done in a multiple step process.  

Above photo shows the cards with the ink drying after being stamped with the red star and before the gold circle. 

To see additional detailed photos of the card construction process, see previous years' blog entries (2022 & 2021)

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.