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2024 BZC Calendar of Events

Weekly Schedule

Sejiki Ceremony - Feeding the Hungry Ghosts


Sat, Oct 28, 2023

On Saturday, October 28th, BZC will celebrate Sejiki, an annual ceremony from our Soto Zen tradition that we have missed during the pandemic. The morning program will include a short zendo talk by Hozan, followed by a joyous ceremony in the courtyard. The outdoors altar is filled with fruit, cakes, and other food offerings. Raucous noise-making by children and adults call forth hungry ghosts feel and the spirits of the departed. After offerings and chanting the “Sutra of Opening the Gate of Sweet Dew,” we will read the names and honor all those who have died this year.

            Families and children are encouraged to participate. Since we have adapted the tradition to dovetail with the western tradition of Halloween, members and children are welcome to come Halloween costumes. The talk and ceremony will start in the zendo at 10:15. All are welcome to join the work circle at 7:35 to help set up the altar and decorate the grounds.

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