Sewing & Squirrels

 This week the exciting milestone in the Mountain Okesa sewing occurred, as the first actual panels were passed out to sangha members to begin the rain stitch.  Regular sewing sessions will take place at Shao Shan Temple so we can experience together the depth of practice, when doing a mantra together as a sangha.








Outside the Temple, the red squirrels enjoy the pine cones from Shao Shan's Red Pines.

Sept. 9th -Anniversary Celebration

Shao Shan Temple's 12th Anniversary Celebration took place on
Sunday September 9th. 
Approximately 40 people participated in this joyous occasion - joining together in chanting and tying on ribbons symbolizing our intention.   This was followed by abundant refreshments and socializing.

Mountains for the Mountain Seat Robe

On August 15th, several sangha members gathered to cut out moutains from various materials.  Under Donna's wonderful instruction, all the mountains were cut out and an intial panel layout was arranged.

2012 Summer Children's Program ends

Preparing for meditation instruction

The Calligraphy Plaques created by the children this summer

The Shao Shan Temple Summer children's program met for the last time this summer on August 23rd.  They happily showed off the wooden plaques they created with a Japanese character on it - such as Thunderbolt or Tree.

The program may resume during the school year on a once-monthly basis.

Obon Ceremony - Aug 5

In the Obon Ceremony at Shao Shan Temple  on Sunday evening Aug. 5th, we had a candlelight procession up to the cemetery, invited the ancestors to join us as we chanted Kanzeon, and then sent them back.