Gardening begins!

Shaking

the packet of seeds

asking, are you still alive?

Kiyoko Tokutomi

The garden beds.  Empty, full of potential.  

May we cultivate our life with care.

Full energy.

Each moment nourishing the seeds of wholesome actions.

Online Weekend Retreat: Essential Buddhist Teachings

This past weekend Shao Shan Temple had its first online retreat!  This "Essential Buddhist Teachings" retreat provided an overview of basic Buddhist teachings and the precepts.  Sangha members joined online for 3 sessions of meditation, teachings and discussion.

Early Spring Reflections

Streams and waterfalls rush with abandon.

Blush of buds on red maples.

Excited geese honk in the surrounding wetlands.

Crocuses bloom purple and gold.

Life's drive and thrive

encourages and inspires us.

May our being inspire others

Wind blows warm over bare ground.

Wind blows cool over patches of snow.

Changing

Changing

Changing

Online Programs at Shao Shan

With the need for everyone to stay at home, Shao Shan Temple has been working to provide ways for us to continue to practice together and stay connected.  This past week, there have been nearly daily online programs - including morning meditations, study groups, guided meditation and children's programs!  We continue to explore ways to support one another and intensify our practice during this unusual time.

Camera-Computer setup in Zendo

Children's Program!

Sangha members sew Face Masks

Several  Shao Shan Temple sangha members have begun making masks to donate to medical facilities or others who need them.  Donna, one of the Shao Shan sewing leaders, is coordinating and organizing this effort.  People are working in their own homes - one person donating fabric, another cutting fabric, another transporting cut fabric to someone with a sewing machine, yet another person sewing the mask.

As those who have made a rakusu or wagesa know, sewing can be a kind of moving meditation - adding a prayer with every stitch.  Mask sewers are encouraged to also use the "Namu Kie Butsu" mantra that our prayers may go out to the wider community. 

Some of the first masks have been donated to nurses at Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice and we've heard they were very happy to receive them!

Thanks to all involved in this way of bringing our practice to those in need during this Covid-19 pandemic.  If you are interested to join this effort, please let us know.  

The pattern being used is https://www.cvmc.org/covid-19-information/sewing-masks-donations

Donna preparing fabric

Clara with some of the first completed masks

NAMU KIE BUTSU

NAMU KIE HO

NAMU KIE SO

(the mantra used in sewing)

Material cut for kids masks