The Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo is a dharani, an exhortation designed to produce specific energy though the articulation of sound. The Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo, or the Ten-Phrase Life Prolonging Kannon, evokes the compassionate and eternal nature of our life. For the words to this chant, see the Hazy Moon Chant Book.
Identity of Relative and Absolute
The Identity of Relative and Absolute is a poem about the enlightened mind written by our Dharma ancestor Shitou (Jap: Sekito Kisen) in the 8th century and chanted in our services. For the words to this chant, see the Hazy Moon Chant Book.
Maha Prajna Paramita Heart Sutra
The most commonly chanted sutra in Mahayana Buddhism, the Heart Sutra expounds the core, or heart, of the Buddha’s teaching. For the words to this chant, see the Hazy Moon Chant Book.
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 […]
Vickie Reiju Cumberland’s Jukai
When Vickie Cumberland attended her first formal Zen retreat five years ago, she drove eight hours from Kansas City to Cincinnati to sit with a fledging group that would later become the Dewdrop Sangha, an affiliate of the Hazy Moon. Since then, she has practiced at the Hazy Moon and at retreats in Ohio, Wisconsin, […]
Nate Kojun Hayes’ Jukai
After practicing with Maezen Sensei at retreats around the country, Nate Hayes returned to the Hazy Moon from his home in Athens, Ohio, for his Jukai, receiving the Bodhisattva Precepts and the dharma name Kojun, which means “genuine effort.”
Fusatsu
Fusatsu, our service of atonement, is one of the most beautiful and profound ceremonies in the Zen tradition.
The Language of Zen
At the Hazy Moon, we use many Zen terms carried forward from ancient monastic practice. Here is a glossary of words and phrases that you may encounter when you practice in a Zendo. Explanations of other Zen ceremonies and activities are found on our Practice & Traditions page. Buddha – Literally, “awake.” Also refers to […]
Lurleen Honshin Benzian’s Jukai
After several years of practice at the Hazy Moon, Lurleen Benzian took the Buddha precepts and received Jukai from Nyogen Roshi on October 7 with sangha and family members in attendance. She received the Dharma name, Honshin, which means “Mind Only,” an auspicious name which carries particular enthusiasm and appreciation from Roshi. Congratulations, Honshin!
Celebrating Our 20th Anniversary
On August 26, 2017, a full house of members and friends gathered to celebrate the miraculous occasion of our 20th Anniversary. Services, including memorials for departed priests and honorary founder Maezumi Roshi, were followed by informal remembrances by long-time students. Nyogen Roshi’s wholehearted teisho paid tribute to our rare lineage and the tradition we embody […]
Reflections: The First Years
This collection of photographs, gathered in honor of our 20th Anniversary, depict the busy first days of the Hazy Moon Sangha including its inception as an informal group practicing at the home of Mr. Kelly Stevens Sr.; the August 1997 purchase of 1651 S. Gramercy Place, where the zendo was in the living room and […]
Shuso Hossen, Shosan and Tea Ceremony 2017
Our three-month summer training period ended with a week of dramatic events: Shosan (public exchanges between Nyogen Roshi and individual students), Tea Ceremony (when the koan that our shuso or head trainee has been working on is made public) and Shuso Hossen (an elaborate ritual that allows the shuso or head trainee to demonstrate his […]