Ritual & Ceremony
Traditional Buddhist ceremony is an essential aspect of Zen practice. Annual rituals become touchstones for practitioners marking the seasons and one’s ongoing understanding of the dharma. Ceremonial choreography both celebrates and directly expresses the dharma teachings in a way that bypasses the conceptual mind, informing the heart in surprising ways. Contemporary adaptations reinvigorate many of these rituals and foster more participation among those present. Ritual offers an immediate and holistic way to access awakening if we’re open to its subtle language.
Rohatsu
Rohatsu honors the Buddha’s enlightenment achieved under the bodhi tree when Shakyamuni first sees the morning star. This sesshin is emphasizes a continual return to the silence of zazen and example of the Buddha’s journey of struggle and release.
Wesak
This ceremony commemorates the auspicious birth of the baby Buddha. Sweet tea is poured over the baby Buddha housed in an archway of fresh flowers.
Fusatsu
In this ceremony, we atone for past unskillful actions and renew our vows to practice. All are welcome, even if you have not formally received precepts.
Sejiki
Sejiki is a lively ritual with noisemakers and offerings of sweets made to “hungry ghosts” thought of as unresolved karma. A half day retreat leads up to this celebratory event.
Jukai
Jukai is a ceremony or “giving and receiving the precepts” – the Buddhist ethical vows of practice. The community supports those interested in becoming Buddhists and witnesses their vows that include atonement, taking refuge in Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, and upholding the three pure precepts and the ten grave precepts.
Zaike Tokudo
This ceremony is for those who are becoming formal students in the Dharma Cloud lineage and taking Seido as their teacher. Zaike Tokudo translates as “accomplishing the Way while remaining at home” reflecting the vow of committed lay practitioners to awaken in the circumstances of life as parents, teachers, partners, and activists. The formal student renews their precept vows and takes on extra vows of commitment to the sangha and the teacher/student relationship.
Founders
This ceremony commemorates the teachers who came before and offered their lives to the dharma. September marks the passing of our founder, Kyogen Carlson, former abbott of Dharma Rain Zen Center, who died in 2014.
Memorials, Weddings, Baby Blessings
Sangha rituals also recognize transitions in life and death. Ceremonies are adapted to the circumstances. They often include versions of the Buddhist precepts and the embrace of constant change.