The UUC Zen Group is offering the opportunity to consider your Life Vows as a practice for the New Year, in a UU-friendly, contemporary Zen Buddhist ritual of discernment and renewal.

We will join the Empty Moon Zen Sanghas on Saturday, January 4, at UUC and on Zoom, for a full morning’s observance of Zazenkai, This is an extended time of reflection and meditation that is held on the first Saturday morning of each month. In January, we include the Life Vows ritual. While full-time attendance is encouraged, it’s also fine to attend for just part of the day as your schedule allows.

A 6:30-7:30 a.m. early morning meditation is optional. It is followed by a break for breakfast. We will return to group meditation from 9 a.m. to noon. (A simple breakfast will be provided at 7:30 a.m. for those at UUC, or bring what you would like to eat or share.)
 
The Life Vows ritual will be the focus from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Several body practices—short chants, walking meditation, and bowing—will be engaged as part of Zazenkai and the two-hour Live Vows experience.

This annual practice of commitment to Life Vows differs from the tradition of making New Year's Resolutions. The process begins with a guided meditation and time in personal reflection to consider the commitments you want to make for yourself in 2025. These become your Life Vows to support your intentions as you live the unfolding moments of the year ahead.

How you honor your Life Vows may change throughout the year because it’s rare that time proceeds exactly as we foresee, even when our intentions are clear and strong. You’ll have space during the process to contemplate and distill a simple written statement of your Life Vows for the New Year.

Bring paper and pen/ pencil/ colors whether you are participating in person or online. Tea and light refreshments will be available on-site during this time; those at home are encouraged to have a chalice, candle, or incense at hand, along with tea and small treats. (You are welcome to bring snacks to share at UUC.)

At the end of the ritual, a Vows Sealing Ceremony offers the opportunity to seal your vows over incense or a chalice, and share them if you wish before the Sangha, which acts as witness in a community of spiritual support. Those participating on-line are encouraged to create an altar and writing space which can include any images or mementos of teachers and ancestors who have been meaningful guides and witnesses to your life. (At UUC, the incense station is outside.)

A print-friendly Order of Service, including all chants, is available for download. (Designed to view on-screen or print double-sided in landscape orientation, then folded.) Please have this with you if you are joining online. A copy will be provided if you are attending in-person at UUC.

After the ceremony, we suggest you keep your vows on your home altar or carry them with you through the months ahead to remind yourself of your deepest intentions and how you are choosing to keep them alive.

For more information on this opportunity to create Life Vows for 2025, including the Zoom link if you need it, contact Janine Larsen in advance.

Zoom Links for UUC Gatherings are password protected for security, and are not posted in public locations. Find them in UUC Connect, our password-protected resources for UUC members and friends.   Contact the church office for assistance in accessing UUC Connect or Zoom meetings at UUC.