Image by Robert Reese

The ancient and evocative Zen ritual of honoring ancestors

In the blue sea where
cormorants and hungry ghosts have already swum

--Kaneko Tōhta

The Ceremony of Feeding the Hungry Ghosts, the ancient and evocative Zen ritual of honoring ancestors, calling forth our own feral spirits and resolving karmic connections, will be held Tuesday, October 31th following zazen at Cherry Center.

The Hungry Ghost Ceremony summons forth these restless spirits and appeases agitation within and without. The ceremony includes an elaborate “Ghost Altar,” instruments played to summon departed spirits, and the chanting of the “Gate of Sweet Dew,” a series of mantras and wishes for well-being. Also, the names of departed friends and family are collected to be read aloud during the ceremony.

The Buddha recommended in the Ullambana Sutra that this ceremony be performed at the end of the summer practice period. Participants are encouraged to dress in Halloween costume and to join in the brief instrumental portion of the ceremony. Costumes, noise-makers and instruments are encouraged and all are welcome to attend, including children. Please feel free to bring a percussion instrument of your choice.