Dia de Los Muertos (Ancestor’s Day)

There is a festival called "Ullambana Day" or “Ancestor’s Day “which started at the time of the Buddha. There is a story in the Ullambana Sutra, where the Buddha instructs his
disciple Maudgalyāyana on how to obtain liberation for his mother, who had been reborn into a lower realm, by making food offerings to the sangha on the fifteenth day of the seventh month. Because the number of monks who attained enlightenment during that period was high, the Buddha was very pleased.

Many other cultures around the world have similar traditions of a day set aside to visit the graves of deceased family members. Often included in these traditions are celebrations, food and beverages, in addition to prayers and remembrances of the departed. As a spiritual practice is important to remember and honor the lives of our beloved, our ancestors and to wish them their liberation.

The Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico developed from ancient traditions among its pre-Columbian cultures. Rituals celebrating the deaths of ancestors had been observed by these civilizations perhaps for as long as 2,500–3,000 years.

Open Gate Zen Collective will be hosting a sangha service honoring the deceased and those facing illness. Please join us for Zazen at 6:30 pm, Service at 7pm, and a potluck Dinner right after it! You are welcome to bring a picture or an object belonging to your loved one(s) to place at the altar. Following the Mexican tradition, we invite you to cook your beloveds’ favorite dish and share with us afterwards. You can join us through Zoom or in person. Please RSVP