News

O-Souji (Big Cleaning) will be held at Blue Mountain Zendo on January 29, 2012 from 2:00 to 7:00 pm. In the west, the ‘big clean’ starts at the beginning of spring; however, in Japan, the “big clean” or O-Souji is held at the end of the year.

O-Souji is not just about getting the house cleaning caught up after the previous year. O-Souji has a spiritual and religious significance. Cleaning ones temple, home and work space, shows respect and gratitude for the previous year’s gifts while purifying the space in anticipation of the New Year.

During O-Souji the izumi or ‘spring’ is also cleaned to honor the energies which inhabit the space. After completion, water is collected from the spring and used to purify the temple upon return. Participants are also encouraged to purify their homes and offices, they are given salt, sand, pine and spring water to complete this task.

Those who are interested in attending O-Souji at Blue Mountain Zendo should call to confirm their attendance. An informal meal will be offered at 5:30 pm.