At the Hazy Moon, we maintain the form of practice given to us by Maezumi Roshi, which combines aspects of Soto and Rinzai Zen as well as traditional Buddhist observances. One’s personal commitment to practice may be expressed in such milestones as Jukai, or precept-taking; Tokudo, which is ordination as a priest; and Shuso Hossen, the ceremony culminating one’s service as Head Trainee or Head Priest during an Ango training period.
The Bodhisattva Precepts
When we receive the precepts we are not given something that exists outside ourselves. To truly receive the precepts is to realize your true nature, revealing your life as the very body, form, and functioning of the enlightened state. — Maezumi Roshi
The Birth of Buddha
We observe the traditional Zen practice of Hanamatsuri, or flower festival, to commemorate the birth of Shakyamuni Buddha. The birthday is observed on April 8, which coincides with the arrival of cherry blossoms in Japan, considered the first sign of spring. All celebrants at our service offer flowers at the altar and participate in the […]
The Light of a New Year
Under the bright shine of a supermoon, the Hazy Moon Sangha marked its 20th consecutive New Year’s Eve ceremony. Concluding the annual Year-End Sesshin, participants dedicated the merit of their practice through all space and time by chanting a full service; performing the atonement ritual of Fusatsu; and generating auspicious blessings of peace, wisdom, and […]
Fusatsu
Fusatsu, our service of atonement, is one of the most beautiful and profound ceremonies in the Zen tradition.
Tokudo
Tokudo is the ceremony that marks a practitioner’s ordination as a Zen priest. To enter the priesthood means to commit oneself forever to the service of others. The Buddha ordained those who expressed a sincere commitment to the dharma. They chose to leave their homes to find a way out of suffering. At the Hazy Moon, […]
Jukai
The precepts are central to all Buddhist traditions. In our Japanese lineage the precept-taking ceremony is called Jukai. In taking the precepts you formally become a Buddhist and a bond is developed between student and teacher. Those who wish to take Jukai begin by sewing or purchasing a Rakusu. The Rakusu is a rectangle of cloth […]
