Updates

After our usual Saturday program we will celebrate the lunar new year by engaging in traditions of Chinese culture from which also formed Ch’an which came to Japan known as Zen. After the Dharma talk we will offer some Chinese New year décor, treats and offer joss paper offerings to our family and friends who have gone beyond, Please join us!

In addition to the actual Lunar New Year beginning for the year of the Chinese astrology snake and element wood, just a few days apart, is also our founder (soto zen) in Japan is known to have been born January 26, 1200- Zen Master Dōgen Zenj

Happy new year in Mandarin is xīn nián kuài lè (新年快乐). In Cantonese, it’s gong hei fat choy. 

• Xīn nián kuài lè(新年快乐) A formal greeting that means “New Year happiness” 
• Xīn nián hao(新年好) A shortened version of xīn nián kuài lè that’s often used with friends and family 
• Gōng xǐ fā cái(恭喜发财) A common greeting that means “wishing you great happiness and prosperity” 
• Wàn shì rú yì(万事如意) A common wish that means “may everything that you wish come true” 
  
  The Year of the Wood Snake is a time for growth, introspection, and transformation. 
• It’s a time to encourage inner reflection and outward progress. 
• It’s a time to embrace change and make major breaks with the past. 

What are the characteristics of the Wood Snake?

• The Wood Snake combines the characteristics of the Snake with the nurturing and expansive qualities of Wood. 
• People born in the Year of the Snake are said to be wise, calm, resourceful, and observant. 
• They are also said to be natural-born explorers, curious, charming, and determined. 
• The last Year of the Wood Snake was in 1965.

Before the new year offerings: zazen (seated meditation) at 9:30am, with the Dharma talk to follow at 10:30. We offer in-person distanced attendance, and we also will continue to offer a Zoom web conferencing for video and/or audio presence for the scheduled events. There’s an earlier sitting at 6:30am, in addition to the later one at 9:30am (you can log into the conference starting at 9am). A period of zazen is typically 40 minutes, and it’s ok to adjust your sitting posture as needed. The Dharma talk includes time for questions and answers. We enjoy tea and cookies together afterwards and will combine this lunar new year event. Please click here to be routed to our Zoom gathering  

And as always you can contact us to arrange an introductory session ~8:45am if you are a beginner.

Our founder (soto zen)in Japan is known to have been born January 26, 1200- Zen Master Dōgen Zenj –

And on Monday our country recognizes the very deeply meaningful life work of Dr. Martin Luther Jr, for which the temple will be closed in recognition and honor of.

Please join us to continue our exploration of Dōgen ZenJi’s Shōbōgenzō – THIS THURSDAY. To be included on the weekly invite and reminder with Zoom details, please email: info@hszc.org We hope to see you there online or in person at Issan-Ji Temple!

We hope this year brings you great happiness and prosperity. We will resume our regular schedule now past some of the holidays schedule changes, and welcome you back or encourage you to join us as a beginner or new to our temple community!

for those who celebrate a holiday this time of year we wish you a loving and gentle season.

Please note hszc/issanji temple will be closed these dates alinging roughly with national holidays:

December: 24th through 28th 2024
January 1st & 2nd 2025

we hope to see you after and around these dates.

Rev. Daigan Gaither began Buddhist practice in 1995 in the Vipassana (Insight) tradition, and then began to study Zen in 2003 with Ryushin Paul Haller Roshi. He received Lay Ordination in 2006 where he was given the name Daigan or “Great Vow”, and received Priest Ordination in July 2011. Daigan speaks internationally on a variety of topics particularly around gender, sexuality, social justice and their intersections with the Dharma.

He has a BA in Philosophy and Religion from San Francisco State University, and an MA in Buddhist Studies from the Graduate Theological Union and the Institute of Buddhist Studies.

Join us Saturday for zazen (seated meditation) at 9:30am, with the Dharma talk to follow at 10:30. We offer in-person distanced attendance, and we also will continue to offer a Zoom web conferencing for video and/or audio presence for the scheduled events. There’s an earlier sitting at 6:30am, in addition to the later one at 9:30am (you can log into the conference starting at 9am to socialize). A period of zazen is typically 40 minutes, and it’s ok to adjust your sitting posture as needed. The Dharma talk includes time for questions and answers, occasionally followed by a particular ceremony such as the celebration of Buddha’s Birthday. We enjoy tea and cookies together afterwards. Please click here to be routed to our Zoom gathering  

And as always you can contact us to arrange an introductory session ~8:45am if you are a beginner.

As a reminder any week you do not see a speaker announced it is our Abbot, Rev. Myo Lahey.

We hope for those who celebrate a holiday over the next months that you have a wonderful season with joy, equanimity and love. A reminder that Dec 8th is the east Asia Bodhi day or Rohatsu observed date (Enlightenment and becoming Buddha) to celebrate.

And in honor of the holidays that tend to also influence into government holidays in the USA, ahead of us we will also be closed on the following dates:

December: 24th through 28th 2024
January 1st & 2nd 2025

We apologize but unfortunately due to lack of resources and significant hit from illness/injury of a core essential resource we will not have the winter light retreat for 2024. Please find some extra time and effort to engage and enrich your practice and join us for the usual routine schedule.

Wishing you all health and safety and a a bright transition into 2025 in your heart regardless of the stirrings and media frenzies about and creating stirrings far and very far from us.

To a peaceful entry and heart in 2025 and still as much joy and love as can be had including with our community (Sangha) at Issan- ji temple.