Naming Ceremony

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  • Myozan Kodo
    Friend of Treeleaf
    • May 2010
    • 1901

    Naming Ceremony

    Hi Taigu, Jundo and everyone,
    I was thinking of having a naming ceremony for my two sons in the Buddhist tradition. Both my wife and I feel they need a party to welcome them. Just a party would be nice, but a little ceremony is always a good place to start the celebration.

    Has anyone been at a naming ceremony? What was it like? Or does anyone have a text I could use to base ours on? Not sure where to start.

    All suggestions welcome.
    In gassho with thanks
    Soen
  • Jundo
    Treeleaf Founder and Priest
    • Apr 2006
    • 40311

    #2
    Re: Naming Ceremony

    Originally posted by soendoshin
    Hi Taigu, Jundo and everyone,
    I was thinking of having a naming ceremony for my two sons in the Buddhist tradition. Both my wife and I feel they need a party to welcome them. Just a party would be nice, but a little ceremony is always a good place to start the celebration.

    Has anyone been at a naming ceremony? What was it like? Or does anyone have a text I could use to base ours on? Not sure where to start.

    All suggestions welcome.
    In gassho with thanks
    Soen
    Hi Soen,

    Yes, I have access to the script for some such ceremonies from various Soto Zen Sangha, and something will be appropriate. I will write you and Taigu privately and see what you wish to do.

    Gassho, J
    ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

    Comment

    • Taigu
      Blue Mountain White Clouds Hermitage Priest
      • Aug 2008
      • 2710

      #3
      Re: Naming Ceremony

      This is a wonderful idea,
      and at the same time, how shall I put it, names are already a very big deal... but true names are invitation to shed them off,
      yes... the nameless. My-your-everybody true name.
      And, at the same time, it is true that a child needs a name, as much as anything else. :?:

      Why should it be Buddhist then?
      Why not make it happening outside of bigger tags and names?
      Why a ceremony and why not?
      Who for? :wink:

      Digging is needed here.

      I never wanted my daughter to go Buddhist or have any connection with this path.
      If she wants it, up to her.
      And great if does, and great if she doesn't. :mrgreen:

      Imitating daddy sitting...Loss of time IMHO
      Sawaki Kodo in his stupid wisdom used to say: give sweets to kids. :twisted: :roll:

      A ceremony?...


      Life is already it.


      Becoming a priest ( what you are already) is a different ball game.


      Well... I don't know.

      If you really think-feel that it is what is needed, then it's great. Go ahead.



      gassho



      Taigu

      Comment

      • Myozan Kodo
        Friend of Treeleaf
        • May 2010
        • 1901

        #4
        Re: Naming Ceremony

        Hi Taigu and Jundo,
        Thank you for your words. Some very good questions, teacher.
        Why ceremony?
        To celebrate what is. To acknowledge what is already there. To have a party. To bow. To eat and drink. Une fête.
        For who?
        The Child, Dad, Mum, Grandfather, Grandmother, for everybody; not separate.
        Why Buddhist?
        True. I do not want to make my children Buddhist, Catholic or anything else. But, I am their Dad and I am a Buddhist. I speak English. I talk to them with English words and welcome them with Buddhist words. My father is a devote Catholic. Maybe he should say some Catholic words as part of the ceremony. I have no time for the Church but respect his faith. My children have no faith and so it shall remain, until they choose one or none. I will not encourage them to sit Zazen with me (or discourage them, indeed).

        Ceremony is a door we walk through; a door we have already walked through, but in a ritual dance of celebration. All moments are sacred, and in ceremony we remind ourselves of that.

        So, why not a party?
        Gassho,
        Soen

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