Sejiki-e is a Japanese word meaning “The Feeding and Nourishing of Hungry Ghosts.” Hungry ghosts are depicted as beings with very large stomachs swollen from malnutrition, who have the tiniest of throats, and who are always hungry. They are symbolic of the state of mind which is never satisfied with who we are or what we have. In the ceremony we call forth hungry ghosts and beings who are stuck in intermediary states, as well the dark, unknown regions of our own psyches, bringing them into the light. We offer them the nourishment of Dharma with the hope of satisfying and releasing them.
The Sejiki Ceremony also has the feeling of a universal memorial service. In addition to releasing the spirits of the departed, the ceremony is intended to resolve our karmic relationships with the deceased. During the ceremony, the names of those for whom we have performed memorial services during the past year will be read and the cards placed into a fire.
This years ceremony was held in the yard of Sangha member Alan Brenner. We are grateful to Alan for providing such a perfect bon fire to support the burning of the ABZS past years memorial cards, leftover bits of incense and thread. Due to Covid we had limited attendees and we were careful to wear masks and stay physically distanced. Photo by Alan Brenner
Saturday, October 24: Stepping Down Ceremony and Stepping Into Founding Dharma Teacher Ceremony of Hakuryu Sojun Mel Weitsman Roshi, 6:00 pm EST (at the Berkeley Zen Center’s online zendo,
