The Priory offers a daily schedule of meditation and religious services including the ceremonies that are part of the general Buddhist calendar year. We ask that those who wish to participate in our services first attend our Introduction to Practice class. The class is offered each Thursday evening at 6:30 pm. Please call to register, 503-238-1123.

When coming to the priory we request that you dress respectfully and modestly: loose-fitting, comfortable, yet neat clothing. Please do not wear shorts, jeans, leggings, or T-shirts with slogans. Out of consideration for others refrain from wearing flashy jewelry,  highly scented lotions or cosmetics.

Below you will find a short description of each religious service we offer upon request.

Naming Ceremonies for Babies and Children
When requesting this ceremony, parents indicate their wish to raise their child as a Buddhist. During this ceremony the priest invokes the protection of the Buddhas and Ancestors for the well-being of the child and offers a blessing for him or her. Following the ceremony parents and witnesses recess to sign the Naming Register and receive a certificate.

Wedding Ceremony
“With this ring I thee wed:
With my body I thee worship;
With all my worldly goods I thee endow
And, thereto, I plight thee my troth.”

In an ancient and familiar ritual, the couple stands before the priest or lay minister to exchange lifelong vows. In addition to the formal taking of a simple form of the Precepts, the Buddhist marriage ceremony includes the lighting of the wedding candle, the binding of hands with the wedding rosary, and the recitation of the marriage contract which reads “From now on we will purify our bodies and minds so that we will make no mistakes in human morals and so as to help each other to be successful each in our own way.” Couples considering a wedding spend time in regular weekly counseling leading up to the day of the ceremony.

Spiritual Counseling
For questions of a private nature or those not addressed during the usual activities of the priory schedule, spiritual counseling with a senior priest is available upon request. Spiritual counseling offers an opportunity to consider matters of training and everyday life together with an experienced monastic practitioner.

Funerals and Memorial Services
Funerals
A funeral may be performed at graveside, during cremation, at the priory, or at some other location or combination thereof. Generally this ceremony is done with the coffin or remains present, and may be private or public. In addition to the elements described for the memorial, it involves the formal giving of the Three Pure and Ten Great Precepts of the Buddhas to the deceased, in a symbolic cutting of worldly ties. The merit of the extensive scripture recitation, ceremonial, and teaching is offered for the benefit of the one who has died.

Memorials
The memorial ceremony at the priory or other location is offered for the benefit of the one who has died. It may be public or private. In addition to a recitation of scriptures and a verse of teaching, the memorial may also include offerings on the altar such as candles, flowers, water, tea and cakes. A sample of the person's favorite vegetarian food can also be offered. A photo of him or her is usually placed at the center, in the lap of the Buddha. Following the service there may be an opportunity to sit quietly in the hall or have a social tea.

House Blessing
When a congregation member has just built or moved into a new dwelling, a blessing ceremony may be requested. The priest, accompanied by those assisting, process chanting a Scripture throughout all rooms of the structure, using an asperge so that the water may bless and purify all corners within the dwelling.  A certificate that signifies the home has been given the Precepts is placed above the main door. For those who are interested, this ceremony can be done for a new vehicle or an addition to an already existing home.

Ceremonies for Animals
Animal Naming Ceremony
If it seems good, any animal while living may be offered the Precepts of the Buddha in a short Naming ceremony, and receive a certificate which then accompanies him or her through life. Animal friends, as well as human ones, are welcome to attend.

Animal Funerals and Memorials
Upon the death of an animal friend, the Naming Certificate is buried or cremated along with the body (or, if no naming ceremony has yet been done, that is part of the funeral). The funeral ceremony can be done with the body or ashes on the altar, or offered at graveside or during cremation. A memorial ceremony without the animal's body is also possible at any time after death. In either case, Scriptures are recited for the benefit of the deceased, and an offering of his or her favorite vegetarian food and/or toys may be placed on the altar.