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.