Practice Period Closing, Shuso Hossenshiki, and Buddha’s Birthday Ceremonies

Please join us at the Community Congregational Church in Tiburon or online via Zoom for these special ceremonies.

The 2025 Bay Area Practice Period culminates in the Shuso Hossenshiki (Dharma Inquiry ceremony) as the Shuso and sangha together bring forth the dharma in a lively exchange. This will be followed by the Practice Period closing and a celebration of Buddha’s birthday.

Dharma Inquiry and Practice Period Closing

During the Dharma Inquiry ceremony, Shuso Laura Trippi, On Shō Chiku Dō (Gifted Voice, Bamboo Path), will respond to questions posed in turn by members of the Practice Period. With this, she and the sangha together will express their understanding of the dharma.

Following this ceremony, Norman will formally close the circle of Practice Period.

Celebration of Buddha’s Birthday

We’ll conclude the afternoon by celebrating Buddha’s birthday, bathing a figure of baby Buddha with sweet tea under a beautiful canopy of flowers. All are invited to participate in this joyful practice.

To end the day’s gathering, we’ll have a reception with a light dessert.

Notes

Asking a question of the Shuso during the Dharma Inquiry ceremony is reserved for practice period participants. Others are invited to attend and observe, and to join us in chanting and bowing. Practice Period participants will receive an invitation with instructions on forming a question a few days before the ceremony.

Chants: The Dharma Inquiry ceremony begins with the assembly slowly chanting the Heart Sutra, linked below.

• Heart of Great Perfect Wisdom Sutra (PDF)

Covid Protocols: In-person attendees are expected to review and follow our current Covid protocol.

•  Current Covid protocol