A Ceremony to Free our Restless, Hungry Hearts
(Segaki / Sejiki / Feeding the Hungry Ghosts)
Japanese Buddhist image of a gaki (hungry ghost) tormented by demons
The hungry ghost realm in Buddhism also appears as our deep suffering of endless desire and aversion. In the Spirit Settling Ceremony we recognize and heal this difficult side by calling forth the hungry spirits, within us and without, and making offerings of food, chants, songs, noise, and prayers.
The Sangha is invited to bring: offerings of nourishing food and sweets for the altar and also objects that symbolize the hungry ghost in your heart, noise makers (instruments, pots and pans, anything), wear scary costumes, and hang up creepy Fall decorations.
Finally we'll have a basket for Food Bank donations for those in our own community who cannot afford good food. Feel free to bring a food donation.
For the evening of the Spirit Settling Ceremony we change the atmosphere of the Zendo from staid and restrained to wild and chaotic so that these hungry, wandering spirits will feel at home.
Wednesday Evening Schedule on Spirit Settling night:
7:00pm Zazen
7:40pm Kinhin
7:50pm Dharma Talk
8:20pm Spirit Settling Ceremony
followed by tea and cookies
More images of gaki (hungry ghosts) from Kodaiji Temple in Japan seen by Tim during the 2010 Everyday Zen trip to Japan. (Sometimes they are pretty funny looking too)
