Hokusai, “Transmitting the Spirit”

Dear Sangha—

As part of Nate’s Dharma Transmission ceremonies, he will be chanting the names of the Zen ancestors for one month, daily at 5:45 AM, before morning zazen weekdays. The formal Japanese name for this ceremony is Bussorai. We invite sangha members to sign up for a day to ring the bell for this ceremony, which takes about half an hour. There are two signup forms, one for October (here) and one for November (here). Please note that October 28 and 29 this ceremony WILL BE IN THE EVENING, AT 7:00 PM. Please come about 15 minutes early to get set up and instructions. You can also see a video of the Bussorai ceremony with Peg and Flint.

Traditionally, an attendant would ring the bell for this ceremony, but when I was preparing for Dharma Transmission, Kosho suggested that I might invite sangha members to take a role ringing the bells. 

I remember how moving it was to share this ceremony with each sangha member who rang the bells. I’d love to share the sweet intimacy of this experience with our sangha once more. I hope you will take this lovely opportunity!

With appreciation,

Peg