Ceremonies

Precepts Ceremony

Ceremonies
The clergy at Burning River Zen Center offer the availability of various ceremonies to both individuals and the sangha as a whole.  Many of these ceremonies are available to all who desire, regardless of membership to the Zen Center or not. If interested, please contact for details here.

Individual ceremonies include events such as weddings and/or commitment ceremonies, services for the sick, memorial services, and ceremony to welcome a baby into the world.

Weddings, commitments, and other ceremonies do not need to be performed in complete adherence to the classical or traditional form (thought that may be done if desired), and may be adapted to the needs and wishes of the celebrants. At the Burning River Zen Center, we feel that it is important to remember that ceremonies are celebrated for the individuals participating in them, and not done for the ceremony form alone.

Ceremonies that are held for the whole of the Sangha may include ceremonies for Buddha’s birthday each year, Buddha’s enlightenment day each year, and precepts ceremonies as scheduled. All are welcome to attend these ceremonies when scheduled, and people taking precepts often invite family or friends as guests.

For personal ceremonies, it is often customary to give a monetary donation to the Zen center and/or to the clergy performing the ceremony in order to support the work of the Sangha.  The donation is simply suggested and the amount reflective of what you see as the value of the service. You may contact Chong'an Dharma directly to perform such a ceremony here.

Buddhist Retreats and Workshops

Burning River Zen Center will host retreats and workshops as interest supports or permits. These may vary in the interval between and the length of the workshop/retreat. For retreats, dependant on the size, they may be held at an external location.

Retreats and/or workshops can be a wonderful way to immerse one's self in more focused spiritual practice along side others who are there for engaged practice. This allows for support from the community and an opportunity to engage in together action. Precept and Ordination ceremonies are often scheduled during retreat, though additional times may be available as needed or permitted.  Engaging in these ceremoeis within the group context allows for celebration of the commitments and movement along the path of our fellow sangha members.