Rose Ceremony 2020.08.23

About the Rose Ceremony

In the West we have Mother’s Day and Father’s Day to celebrate the presence of our parents in our lives. The Rose Ceremony is a tradition that Thầy (Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh) began after a visit to Japan. While in Tokyo some Japanese students pinned a carnation on Thầy’s robe. On Mother’s day, it is their custom to wear a red flower on the lapel when your mother is still alive, and a white one if she is no longer alive. In Vietnam (and other Asian countries) there is a tradition to celebrate the Ullambana Ceremony, which is an occasion to commemorate Venerable Maudgalyayana for his expression of filial love – rescuing his Mother from the Hell realm. Every year, as part of the Plum Village tradition we celebrate both the Ullambana and the Rose Ceremony together. It is an opportunity to pay respect and offer gratitude to our parents for their love and care throughout our lives. This is special as it is a time when you can reflect on and appreciate the good seeds that your parents have passed on to you, whether they are still alive or have already passed away.

We will have online Rose Ceremony this year.  Everyone can stay home and participate the ceremony with your family.  It will be start at 10:00 am with the following schedule:

1. Sitting Meditation / 坐禪

2. Incense Offering / 上香

3. Touching the Earth / 接觸大地

4. Opening Verse / 開經偈

5. Chanting： The Insight That Bring Us To The Other Shore / 唱誦心經

6. Musical Offering / 演奏音樂

7. Introductory Words / 簡介

8. Reading of A Rose for Your Pocket / 讀出《口袋中的玫瑰 》          

9. Singing the song A Rose for Your Pocket / 唱《口袋中的玫瑰 》

10. Love letter to parents / 送給父母親的情信

11. Pinning the Roses / 別上玫瑰

12. Sharing The Merit / 迴向

The ceremony is estimated to be ended by noon.  Here is the online linkage : https://youtu.be/fYCSLyskVFA

We wish to practice with you and send our love and gratitude to our parents.

Breathe & Smile,

AIAB Monastic