Naming Ceremony

[Myozan Kodo]

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]

Re: 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

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

[Taigu]

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

[Myozan Kodo]

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