The Steveston Buddhist Temple in conjunction with the JSBTC is planning on holding a Sarana Affirmation Service to be held on Sunday, September 18th from 9:30 am.
The Sarana Affirmation Service is a solemn service, following a tradition dating back to the time of Sakyamuni Buddha. Men, Women, and children, who aspire to lead the Buddhist way of life, are invited to join the countless followers of the Buddha by taking refuge in the Three Treasures of the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, and are formally admitted to the Buddhist community. In Japanese this service is known as “kie shiki”. As the applicants take refuge in the Three Treasures of Buddhism their head is touched three times by a ceremonial razor to symbolize the shaving of the head upon entering the Brotherhood. On participation, one receives a ‘hōmyō’, or Dharma Name.
For more information on registering for the service, please contact Rev. Ikuta at the temple or through his email at rev.ikuta@steveston-temple.ca.