February Zazenkai (one day meditation retreat)

Sunday, February 19th, was a well-attended online 1/2 day meditation retreat (Zazenkai).  This month, we were honored to have the Dharma Talk be by Rev. Ejo McMullen.  Rev. Ejo is the abbot of Buddha Eye Temple in Eugene, Oregon and one of Shao Shan Temple's "Soto Zen Council".  

We joined together online supporting one another in a morning of intensive practice. The day's program included an opening ceremonies, zazen(sitting meditation), kinhin(walking meditation). 

Lovingkindness - children's program

 

For February's Children's Program we honored Valentine's Day with a lovingkindness-themed virtual gathering. We first shared interesting things we noticed about the natural world, such as the variable temperatures, sunny days, snow avalanches falling off the temple roofs, and ladybugs cohabitating in our homes. We then read and acted out excerpts from the book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charley Mackesy. In our excerpt a boy and a mole have a series of chats about life, love and kindness. The mole learns to be present, kind and persistent with the help of his fondness for cake, while eventually realizing that hugs are actually better than cake because they last longer. Kenzan then led us in a lovingkindness meditation, in which we started spreading lovingkindness to ourselves and those close to us, and then let our sense of care radiate progressively outwards to all beings everywhere. We ended with a group OM.

Annual Meeting 2023

Shao Shan Temple's Annual Meeting took place on Saturday, February 4th.  Due to weather, this year it was again in the form of a zoom meeting.  

While most of our programs are focused on matters of spiritual practice; this program is different in that it focuses on the administrative and functional aspects of Shao Shan Temple - the ground of how the Temple functions and moves forward.   

The Annual Meeting participants had the opportunity to review the Temple Reports (Sangha Report, Program Report, Cemetery Report and the Financial Report) and ask questions.  A summary of the Annual Meeting will be part of the next newsletter.

January Introduction to Shao Shan Temple

Thursday evening, January 26th, was an online "Introduction to Shao Shan Temple" program.  This program offers an overview of the Temple, history, programs offered, an introduction to meditation and the opportunity to ask questions.  Susan-Doshin joined as sangha (Temple community) representative and 11 new people participated.

Bodhisattva Precept Ceremony 2023

 

On Sunday, January 22nd, 2023, Lizabeth Mitchell Maris, Nathan Haskell, Felicia Messuri and Caleb Lesher received the first five Bodhisattva precepts and made their commitment to a Buddhist way of life.

This ceremony was an occasion for Sangha members and the families and friends of those receiving the precepts to join together in support of the commitment that

Lizabeth, Nathan, Felicia and Caleb are entering.   This year the ceremony was "hybrid" with people joining both in-person and online.

Thanks to all who joined in a spirit of renewal and intentions which support a life beneficial for all. 

Great Robe of Liberation

Field far beyond form and emptiness

Wearing the Tatagata's teaching

Saving all beings