Ringing in the New Year

We occasionally visit the local Buddhist temple, and we went last night for the new year's eve service (Joya-E), to ring in the new year, in a traditionally Buddhist way...


"...a short gathering to include incense offering, meditation, sutra chanting, and a thoughtful Dharma reflection by Rev. Mukojima." 

 "At the conclusion of the service, attendees will have the opportunity to ring the upstairs Kansho bell. The bell is rung 108 times to symbolize purging of the previous year's misdeeds, giving celebrants a new start with the new year."  

"Then everyone is invited to enjoy our temple’s tasty year-end tradition, TOSHIKOSHI, or soba (buckwheat noodles) prepared and served by the Mukojimas."  The noodles were delicious, and we enjoyed chatting with a spry 78 year old gardener - turns out he built the beautiful Japanese Garden in Balboa Park. 

It was a great way to conclude a wonderful year...