December 31 – New Year’s Eve
Join us for a fun family night that is warm and safe.
We begin with an old Japanese tradition, a dish of noodles. Long noodles are thought to bring us long life so the longer your noodles the better!
Following the dinner, we will proceed upstairs for a short service. We then celebrate the end of 2017 and welcome in 2018 by ringing the Kansho bell. (the large hanging bell) The Kansho bell is rung 108 times. The ceremony is said to have originated in the Song Dynasty (960-1279) as a Chinese custom and was then taken over to Japan later.
Why 108? Some doctrine suggests that there are 108 imperfections that humans must overcome before attaining complete awakening. Each ring represents one of these 108 earthly temptations. The number 108 is created by a matrix of the multiple of:
- The 6 senses – smell, touch, taste, sight, sound and mind
- The 3 differentiators – pleasant reaction, neutral or unpleasant reaction
- The 2 possible outcomes of the causes and conditions – wholesome or unwholesome
- The 3 time periods – past life, present life, future life
Everyone who wishes can have a turn ringing the bell.
Start time 6:00 pm until usually around 8:00 pm. That still leaves time to take in the fun and fireworks at Olympic Plaza or head over to the Zoo and enjoy the lights!
January 1 – New Year’s Day Service
Welcome in the New Year with the Sangha/community by attending the service at 2:30pm
Good evening,
Do you need to be a Buddhist or a member in order to attend this event? What is the cost to attend?
I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
Tina
Hi Tina,
You do not have to be a Buddhist or a member to attend. Everyone is welcome.
We always appreciate any donation to help us keep the temple open.
In Gassho
Sensei james