New Year’s Eve Celebration – Dec 31, 6:00-8:00pm
We gather downstairs and, following the tradition, slurp up noodles for a snack because as everyone knows, long noodles mean long life!
Kids will have a chance to pin the nenju on the Buddha this year!
Then, we will meander upstairs to the Hondo and, following a short service, the Sangha will participate in ringing the large temple bell (kansho) 108 times. The bell is chimed 108 times in Buddhist temples to finish the old year and welcome the new one. Each ring represents one of 108 earthly temptations (bonno) a person must overcome to achieve nirvana.
New Year’s Day Service – Jan 1, 2:30-3:30pm
Have a sleep in as it is an afternoon service to welcome in the new year!