On November 16, 2019, the Falmouth Soto Zen Sangha (FSZS) had a full day. It began 6:00 AM in preparation for a half-day retreat or Zazenkai. This retreat focused on Sangha or the harmony of our congregation, the third of the Three Treasures (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha). In between sitting zazen and Dharma discussion, a community lunch was prepared as others arranged the Zendo for our noon celebration-Jukai.

Jukai is a ceremony in which an initiate takes her or his vows as a Buddhist. This year we had two candidates who were led through the ceremony by the Abbot of our Silent Thunder Order, Taiun Elliston-Roshi. The initiates take eleven vows as Buddhists and received vestments-twenty-four guests attended the celebration.

Following Jukai, we had lunch and I answered questions about the ceremony. We also celebrated our Founders' Month recognizing the 80th anniversary of Rev.Matsuoka-Roshi coming to America and everyone a bookmark honoring Matsuoka-Roshi.

In our Tuesday night service, November 19, 2019, we will view and discuss a PowerPoint presentation created by Taiun Elliston-Roshi entitled: "A Brief History of Zen Buddhism." The following Tuesday, November 26, 2019, Taiun Elliston-Roshi will meet with us via Zoom at 8:00 PM, to talk about ceremonies and Sangha.

108bows to Chuck-san, Allie-san, Inmo-san, Katto-san, Ikusei-san, and Mokuyo-san for their effort in carrying out the events of the day...

Sangaku