During this retreat we will explore the use and meaning of the Sandokai, a poem written by the Chinese master Sekito Kisen which is recited regularly in Soto Zen temples worldwide.

Lunch will be a silent, informal, bring-your-own-vegetarian food affair. We will eat in the meditation hall.

Spiritual Counseling available on request.

Schedule

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 and a potluck lunch.

The Autumn 2017 edition of the Journal of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives is dedicated to exploring many facets of this important ceremony.

Work is a long standing element of practice in the Zen tradition and represents a concrete way to put practice into action in our everyday life. Working Meditation days at the Priory are a way to concentrate on and develop this aspect of practice and they are a way to give expression to generosity by helping take care of the practical elements of the life of the temple.

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.

During this retreat we will explore a little of the use and meaning of the Most Excellent Mirror Samadhi, a poem written by the Chinese master Tozan Ryokai which is recited regularly in Soto Zen temples worldwide.

Lunch will be a silent, informal, bring-your-own-vegetarian food affair. We will eat in the meditation hall.

Spiritual Counseling available on request.

Schedule

Work is a long standing element of practice in the Zen tradition and represents a concrete way to put practice into action in our everyday life. Working Meditation days at the Priory are a way to concentrate on and develop this aspect of practice and they are a way to give expression to generosity by helping take care of the practical elements of the life of the temple.

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.

This important festival celebrates Shakyamuni Buddha’s moment of spiritual awakening as he sat under the Bodhi tree in ancient India. From this Awakening flows out all of the Buddhadharma.

The festival ceremony will be followed by tea and a Dharma talk. This festival will be accessible through Zoom using our usual Sunday link; if you would like to join us via Zoom email us to get the links.

Around New Years, it is traditional to spend a little time at the temple reflecting on the past year and setting our intention for the coming year. For New Years Eve at the priory, we will have some extra periods of meditation interspersed with walking meditation beginning at 7pm. Meditation will be followed by a New Years Ceremony at 9:30pm, ringing the temple bell and a festive tea. You are welcome to join us at any time during the evening. The evening will end at about 10:30pm.

Around New Years, it is traditional to spend a little time at the temple reflecting on the past year and setting our intention for the coming year. Because of covid-19, we will be broadcasting our usual ceremony and tea via Zoom and invite you to participate from home.

We will start the evening at 7pm with some extra periods of meditation interspersed with walking meditation.

As usual, we will start our Zoom broadcast after meditation with the New Years Ceremony at 9:30pm and a festive tea. You are welcome to join us at any time during the evening. The evening will end at about 10:30pm.

We will use our usual Sunday link or meeting ID. If you would like to join us, please contact the temple for more information or to get the zoom link.