Hanamatsuri is our annual commemoration of Shakyamuni Buddha’s birth. The name literally means festival of the flowers. We mark the occasion by creating an altar of fresh flowers and holding a special service…
Kinhin
Kinhin is walking meditation. At the Hazy Moon, we perform kinhin in between periods of zazen, or seated meditation. Kinhin is a continuation of practice that also refreshes your legs after sitting and gives you an opportunity to exit and re-enter the zendo if needed. A period of kinhin lasts 10 minutes. It begins with […]
Fusatsu (Atonement Ceremony)
Fusatsu is the ceremony of atonement in the Zen tradition. In doing Fusatsu, we acknowledge the suffering caused by our own ignorant view of ourselves as separate from the world we inhabit. In this video, students at the Hazy Moon Zen Center share appreciation for Fusatsu and the role it plays in their practice.
Oryoki: The Practice of Eating Mindfully
Meditation retreats help us learn to approach everyday life in a more mindful way. Oryoki, or mindful eating practice, is one of the most practical elements of a traditional Zen retreat–though for newcomers, the ritual of oryoki can often seem intimidating. In this video, a student at the Hazy Moon Zen Center shares his appreciation for oryoki and its place in the daily flow of events during a retreat.
Follow the Monk!
Hey Daddy, Relax
Being a parent is something that has to be experienced to be understood, and the profundity of parenthood can’t possibly be conveyed in words. Nyogen Roshi told me before my daughter was born, “Your joys will be amplified and your pain will be amplified.” This has proven to be an accurate statement!
Ango and Shuso Hossen
The tradition of Ango (which means “peaceful dwelling” in Japanese) began with the original Buddhist sangha that formed around Shakyamuni in the early years of his teaching in northern India.
Shuso Hossen 2019
Shuso Hossen ceremony for Lailah Dainin Shima and the culmination of Summer Ango 2019.
Pain Versus Suffering
In this excerpt, Hogen points to the power we have to reduce our own suffering. When we entertain fantasies of something “other” than what exists right now—no matter how painful or difficult the situation—our desire to escape from who and where we are actually creates more suffering for ourselves.
A Blessing to Frolic Freely
Hazy Moon Priest Laurie Kyoji Anderson’s love of animals and deep respect for ceremony gave birth to our annual Pet Blessing a decade ago. Some Sangha members bring their pets to the outdoor event while others bring photos to place on the altar. By offering chants, incense and flowers, and by reciting the names of our pets, we are acting on their behalf to liberate them from suffering and bring them to great joy.
Parinirvana Day
Parinirvana Day commemorates the death of Shakyamuni Buddha and his entry into Nirvana… With Parinirvana Day, we commemorate the Buddha’s manifestation, give thanks for the teaching that has come to us and express our gratitude for the Dharma.
Revolving the Sutras
To close out the old and ring in the new, the sangha gathered at the culmination of our Year-End Sesshin for the New Year’s Eve ceremony of revolving the sutras, which has been enacted for generations in our lineage. Hosso Roshi officiated at the service, demonstrating the inherent power and benefaction of the eternal now, […]
