All are welcome to join us in celebrating Buddha’s Enlightenment.

Shakyamuni Buddha vowed not to get up from sitting under the bodhi tree until he had completely understood the nature of reality.  We mark the day that he looked up and saw the morning star, and awakened to the truth of reality.  He, the star, and all beings awakened together.  We praise Shakyamuni by chanting and circumambulating while the big drum keeps time, expressing our joy that Buddha discovered and taught the way to waking up which we practice today, for the benefit of all beings.

With the approach of winter solstice and the end of Rohatsu sesshin – the winter retreat that is the most intense and usually the longest of the year – many Zen temples celebrate Buddha’s Enlightenment.  This is a joyous ceremony with offerings, drumming and spirited chanting.