Ryuunji Temple in Japan

Shao Shan Temple is grateful to have a close relationship with Ryuunji Temple in Japan. The abbot of Ryuunji is Shinjo Nohara, who trained with Taihaku at Hokyoji and who has spent time at Shao Shan.

Currently Kenzan is visiting Ryuunji for 2 months to support the preparations for Shinjo-san's Shinzanshiki (Mountain Seat Ceremony).

Ryu-un-ji means Dragon Cloud Temple.
This is the painting on the ceiling of the main hall.

Ryuunji Temple

Shinjo-san (center), Renge-san (Satomi-left), Daido-san (right)

Ryuunji Main Hall (Hondo)

Small shrine in back of Ryuunji

Kenzan in front of Ryuunji's main altar

On Balance (family program)

As the season balances between winter and spring, 

the March family program theme was also balance.  

The children & teens did balancing activities 

and made balancing sculptures in nature 

while the parents discussed emotional equilibrium.

Oriyoki Instruction - March 3rd

An enthusiastic group of Sangha members gathered on Thursday March 5th for Oriyoki Instruction/Review. 

We learned some of the basics of this zen monastic meal practice.

A good website that for learning oriyoki is: 

http://global.sotozen-net.or.jp/eng/practice/eating/oryoki/ 

Thanks to all who participated!

Valentine's Day Family Program

In the Family Program on Feb 13th, 

the parents discussed different manifestations of love 

while the children made valentines of paper 

and sunflower seed hearts in the snow for the birds.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Work Practice!

Thanks to all who have been participating in Work Practice at Shao Shan Temple.  This past Saturday was our monthly "First Saturday Work Practice"  which left the temple sparkling from top to bottom from the cleaning and the mindful attention.  Thanks also to the informal Thursday work group that has been contributing in so many ways.