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2024 BZC Calendar of Events

Weekly Schedule

Sejiki Ceremony - Feeding the Hungry Ghosts


Sat, Oct 29, 2022

On Saturday, October 29, BZC will again 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 Hondo Dave Rutschman, followed by a joyous ceremony in the courtyard.
The outdoors altar will be filled with fruit, cakes, and other food offerings to entice spirits from the beyond and those present. Raucous noisemaking by children and adults will call forth hungry ghosts and the spirits of the departed. After offerings and chanting of 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 in Halloween costumes. Noisemakers will be provided and you may also bring your own. The talk and ceremony will start in the zendo at 10:15 a.m. All are welcome to join the work circle at 7:35 a.m. to help set up the altar.

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