All Beings Zen Buddha’s Birthday Ceremony
As we bathed the baby Buddha in reverence, we were likewise bathed in the sounds of the April rains outside the window. And the cherry on top… we closed with cherry blossom birthday cake and giggles. Such a joyous Spring celebration on birth and becoming the baby Buddha’s that we innately are. A remembrance.
Here is a poem about this special day in our tradition, written by great zen ancestor Dogen Zenji …
‘Bathing with the Baby Buddha’
Our Buddha Tathagata was born today,
and at once took seven steps in all ten directions.
Who knows that with each step he gave birth to many buddhas?
These buddhas are simply transmitting today’s voice.
