Susho Cherie teaching. Ancestor Ceremony.

In-person and Zoom. Dana is always welcomed and appreciated.

Dharma Heart Zen will offer a Sejiki Ancestors Ritual. The shuso will give the opening dharma talk.

Sejiki, often associated with the Japanese Buddhist tradition of Obon, is a ceremony of offering food, incense, and compassion to ancestors and “hungry ghosts”—beings who are unable to access nourishment and care. 

This is an opportunity to remember those who have died and to acknowledge the many visible and invisible beings who sustain us.

Together, we will honor family, friends, beloved animals, spiritual and cultural ancestors, and the land itself as our oldest ancestor. 

Through offerings, chanting, reflection, and shared community, we will create space for grief, gratitude, and connection—recognizing that grief and longing are also expressions of love. 

Please feel welcome to bring a photo of someone you’d like to remember or a food offering of harvest season fruits or vegetables for the altar.

Adjunct Texts :

Into the Demon's Mouth: How to Face our Fears like Milarepa By Aura Glaser

How Ancestor practice continues throughout the year: Making Offerings to Our Ancestors by By Zenju Earthlyn Manuel