Jizo Ceremony

The loss of a loved one often opens a well of profound grief. No matter how the loved one dies, whether suddenly or slowly, whether through illness, accident, violence, miscarriage, abortion, or suicide, our sorrow is deep and may be long-lasting. To help families and friends in their process of grief, we will honor our lost loved ones in a ceremony in our Jizo garden on Sunday, March 9, 1:00‒3:00 p.m. Jizo, the Earth Store Bodhisattva, one of the four great bodhisattvas in the Mahayana school, is viewed as a wise and compassionate guide and protector for those who are enduringthe loss of a loved one, particularly the loss of a child. Jizo’s vow is to remain in the worlduntil all beings are free from suffering. Jizo appears in many gender embodiments, and they provide accompaniment as the dead
pass out of this world.

Before the ceremony we will spend time inthe community room  making a personal memorial token for a lost one, by writing a message or by making a simple necklace, a
robe for our garden Jizo statue, or other offering. Attendees are also invited to bring a picture of their loved one or other personal
tokens of remembrance for our altar.

The ceremony will be led by two BZC priests, Gerry Oliva, a retired pediatrician, and Judy Fleischman, a hospice chaplain. All BZC members, members of other Zen groups, and neighborhood residents are invited to attend. A more detailed description will be posted on the BZC courtyard bulletin board. There is no fee,
but offerings of dana are welcome. We will not have a sign-up sheet, but request that those attending let us know in advance so that we
can have adequate supplies and refreshments.

For more information or to let us know that
you’re coming, contact Gerry Oliva at
gryoliva@gmail.com or call 510-652-7217.

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