The spring season remained relatively quiet, given Covid-19 restrictions were still in place. A highlight was a special meal in honor of Rev. Master Jisho’s 50^thordination anniversary on 14^thMay. He has touched many hearts, and we are grateful to him for his many years of practice and teaching.

Rev. Master Jisho, 50 years a monk

We welcomed several lay trainees who stayed for several months after undergoing quarantine for two weeks. One, Zach Saghaian, received lay ordination and a bloodline certificate from Rev. Master Meian on 2^ndApril. We also welcomed Rev. Quang Tue, “Bright Wisdom,” a Vietnamese novice monk, who is training with us. And in late May we hosted short visits by Rev. Master Oriana and Rev. Veronica.

We continued our calendar of festivals, including those for Samantabhadra and Manjusri (see photos), as well as Wesak in May. For the latter, 10 members of our local lay sangha joined us. It was our first experiment in opening up after the pandemic. Everyone had been vaccinated. All were delighted to see each other and spend time in one another’s presence.

Manjusri Bodhisattva

Samantabhadra Bodhisattva

Other ceremonies included a spring blossoming blessing and a naming ceremony. On 17^thApril Rev. Master Ando and Rev. Caitlin celebrated a “Blossom Blessing” ceremony at Hunter Orchards in Grenada, CA, about 22 miles north of the Abbey (see photo). Erik and Julie Erickson, the new orchard farmers, requested the blessing; all the different owners over the years have been generous donors. The monks led the couple in procession throughout the Orchard, chanting the Invocation of Sambo-kojin and asperging the trees with holy water. We closed with the Litany of the Great Compassionate One andthe following dedication:
“We offer the merit of the recitation of this Scripture for the peace, success, and safety of this family, the orchard and farm. In particular, we offer the merit of this ceremony for the benefit of, and in gratitude to these blossoming fruit trees. Just as these blossoms have come forth as a result of the goodness of the elements, the earth, and the kindness of those who work and tend this orchard, may all beings be inspired to bring forth the blossoming of their True Nature through practicing kindness of body, spirit, and mind.”

Hunter Orchards in bloom

On 16^thMay, right before the Wesak Festival, Rev. Master Jisho, with Rev. Veronica as chaplain, celebrated a Naming ceremony for a nine-month old child, Chhatrapati, son of Aake Vaestermark and Hiromi Ichikawa. Aake had visited Throssel Hole Abbey a few times when he was a teenager. We were able to offer the short ceremony outdoors in front of a Buddha statue near the Visitors’ Gate. The child’s father appreciated being able to reconnect with monks of our Order.

In April we had a visit from A Cut Above, who removed a number of trees which were endangering buildings. Given their proximity to structures, several trees required the use of a crane (see photo).

A Cut Above and crane