Services introduce the aspect of ritual into our practice. Specifically, a “service” consists of a chant, performed in front of the altar, to transmit the energy, intention and benefit of our practice into the world we inhabit. In one way, rituals are an external expression of our inner state. At the same time, we strengthen and reinforce our inner state by the external chant. The service brings together what we think of as “inside” and “outside” into a unified whole.
Maezumi’s 3 Admonitions
Wisdom teachings are fascinating things. They may not appear to be special. They are never complicated. They can sound so ordinary that we don’t even hear them or grant them consideration. But like seeds, they burrow into us and one day surface in full bloom. Only then are we ready to appreciate them. Here are Maezumi’s Three Admonitions, which you’re not likely to find elsewhere…
Hanamatsuri
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…
Opening to Wisdom
Maezumi Roshi answers the question, “How do we open ourselves to wisdom?”
Transcribed from a recording made in July 1993.
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 […]
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.
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.
Kathy Jizo Cummings’ Jukai
A faithful member of the Dewdrop Sangha, Kathy Cummings began her practice in 2013 as she moved toward a time of transition in her life. Since then, she has come together with the sangha in retreats from New Mexico to New York, including multiple visits to the Hazy Moon…
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 Sensei officiated at the service, demonstrating the inherent power and benefaction of the eternal now, […]
Taisho’s Tokudo
In a ceremony that has been replayed over centuries, Patrice Taishō Bucher took the vows of tokudo, or ordination as a Zen Buddhist priest, committing herself forever to a life of service. Karen Maezen Miller was the preceptor in the ceremony, which took place on Dec. 27, 2018 during our Year-End Sesshin.
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
