Annual Remembrance Ceremony

The Annual Remembrance Ceremony took place Friday evening October 4th.  The dark evening was magically lit with candles and firelight.

There was time to honor deceased loved ones, the spiritual lineage and those who are interred in the Shao Shan Temple Cemetery.

The evening included a candlelight procession up to the cemetery and chanting. 

Rev. Eitoku's visit - Sept 28&29

Shao Shan Temple was honored to host visiting teacher: Rev. Eitoku Kato this past weekend, September 28 & 29.   Rev. Eitoku is the Abbot of Ryougonji Temple in Japan and a dharma brother of Rev. Taihaku.  They spent several years practicing together at Hokyoji Monastery in Japan.

On Saturday, he and his wife joined the study group and then gave a demonstration of Baika - a type of melodic Buddhist hymns. On Sunday, Rev. Eitoku gave an inspiring Dharma talk on compassion and answered questions over tea.

Thanks to both Rev. Eitoku and his wife for making the long trip to be part of Soto Zen Buddhism in America.

Sunday teaching - group photo

Peace Day/ Autumn Equinox

On Friday evening, September 20th, an intimate group gathered to commemorate Peace Day and the Autumn Equinox.  With a ceremonial fire, incense purification, chanting and dedications, we marked the occasion together.

May Peace Prevail on Earth!

Anniversary Celebration/Ceremony - Sept. 15

On Sunday, September 15th Shao Shan Temple celebrated its 19th Anniversary.  This year's ceremony included meditation, chanting, formal question and answer time (Mondo), the opportunity to tie a ribbon symbolizing our highest intention and refreshments.  Thanks to all who joined in this celebration of re-dedication.

Ceremony opening

Mondo

Refreshments!

Nature Retreat/Pilgrimage

On a perfect-weather late-summer day, we gathered at Shao Shan Temple to acknowledge and pay respect to the greater nature that supports our practice.  This included a modified version of a ceremony done in Japan for blessings in gratitude to the protecting Spirits of the Land.

This year, one group stayed at the Temple, sitting meditation while the other group hiked to the "power spots" on the land - the White Jewel Mountain Retreat and Little Sacred Mountain.  With amazingly synchronistic bells, chants and conches, those pilgrimaging remained in connection with the Temple home-base.  Each participant prepared a brief prayer of gratitude for a specific location and offered it as part of the ceremonies.

Nature joined in joyfully with our procession being led by a leopard frog and a humming bird audience for the garden serenade!

With deep gratitude to the wondrous nature 

that supports our practice!