49th Day Memorial Service

This past Monday (July 9) was the 49th day memorial service for Daehaeng Kun Sunim. Traditionally, these services are to help the spirit of the dead move on, to help free them from what they may be caught up in. But for an awakened being, it is more truly a memorial service for those of us who miss her.  It was a rather public ceremony, with many sunims and laypeople visiting to pay their respects. (Click on the images to see a larger version.)

Looking into the Dharma hall

Greeting visitors

“Any seat will do.” On the stairs that lead to the main Dharma hall

Offering flowers (everyone who came had a chance to pay their respects.)

Dong Hee Sunim is a chanting specialist. She isn’t from our temple, but years ago went with Daehaeng Kun Sunim to Alaska, and what she learned and experienced has been something treasured to this day. So she really wanted to make an offering of her talents.

Hye Hwan Sunim is the last disciple of Daehaeng Kun Sunim to be ordained. (There are a handful of other postulants who are her disciples, but they won’t be able to be ordained with Daehaeng Kuns Sunim as their legal teacher.)

After a final series of bows, we concluded the ceremony by singing “Become a Great Being (대장부)”

The site where Daehaeng Kun Sun was cremated. (The flowers mark the center.) In just 49 days the grass has come in so green.

 

 

“The endless path”