A family day is an opportunity for families with children to come and learn a bit about practice in a kid friendly way. The morning usually starts with a little walking meditation and some guided sitting meditation followed by a story and some activity that will allow us to explore practice in daily life. We end the morning with a snack and closing circle. Parents are encouraged to come and practice with their children.

(Since we will be doing this ceremony via Zoom, please get in touch for the link.)

This elaborate transfer of merit is intended for all those who have died, especially in tragic or disturbing circumstances, or who are in unfortunate states of existence. Using a special altar, prepared with many varied types of food to represent the wealth and nourishment of the Dharma, the ceremony begins with drums, cymbals and gongs played to focus our attention on doing the ceremony with care. Scriptures and invocations of Avalokitesvara (the Bodhisattva of Compassion) are recited as an offering of compassion, and we call upon the Buddhas and Ancestors to assist us in our efforts to help all beings in need of merit. Vegetarian food offerings, particularly a deceased relative’s favorite dish, are welcome for placing on the altar.

The ceremony will be followed by a short Dharma talk.

Wednesday evening Dharma class and vespers via zoom. (For access information, send us an email.) Lately we have discussing the Zen koans in Nyogen Senzaki’s book “The Iron Flute.”

Friday Dharma class and and mid-day service (includes the recitation of Dogen’s Rules For Meditation or, Fukenzangi) via zoom. (For access information, send us an email.)

We will hold this ceremony via zoom, if you would like to join us, please get in touch.

Wednesday evening Dharma class and vespers via zoom. (For access information, send us an email.) Lately we have discussing the Zen koans in Nyogen Senzaki’s book “The Iron Flute.”

Friday Dharma class and and mid-day service (includes the recitation of Dogen’s Rules For Meditation or, Fukenzangi) via zoom. (For access information, send us an email.)

We will hold this ceremony via zoom, if you would like to join us, please get in touch.

When we exert ourselves to practice the Dharma we create good consequences or merit; the transfer of merit ceremony is a way for us to devote a particular time and effort to offering that merit for the benefit of specific beings and the world and beings around us.