CeremoniES

Ceremonies are part of Zen Buddhist practice. They are held in accordance with the cycle of the year (e.g., the Vesak festival in May) and also as needed or upon request (e.g., weddings and funerals).

From the perspective of the Buddhist tradition, the most important ceremonies are the funeral ceremony and Jukai, in which one formally joins the Buddhist tradition.

For practitioners, we offer repentance ceremonies and memorial services. A blessing ceremony can held if needed. The New Year’s celebration includes a traditional home purification ceremony.

Upon request, we also offer rites of passage, such as wedding ceremonies and naming ceremonies.

At Sannej, it is possible to receive the Zen Buddhist precepts once or twice a year. This ceremony is called Jukai. Traditionally, one converts to Buddhism when taking Jukai for the first time. In the ceremony, we take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, and express our aspiration to live according to the precepts to the best of our ability in our daily lives.