Ryaku Fusatsu Full Moon Bodhisattva Service

In the heart of the night
The moonlight framing
A small boat drifting,
Tossed not by the waves
Nor swayed by the breeze.
–Eihei Dogen
Ryaku Fusatsu, the Full Moon Bodhisattva Ceremony is practiced monthly by Zen groups throughout the world. This age-old tradition finds its roots with the historical Buddha Shakyamuni and provides a wonderful occasion to appreciate the precepts in shared group practice. Relinquishment and renewal serve as the core themes, which are central and help to keep our practice vital, meaningful and alive.
The Barre Zen Center offers the Full Moon Bodhisattva Ceremony monthly on the Sunday evening closest to the full moon date. Participation is an opportunity to maintain our connection to the Bodhisattva path with the support of the group energy of the sangha [Zen community]. All are welcome to join us in support of this important aspect of our practice program.
Schedule: 5:40 Zendo Opens; 5:55 Jundo (Formal Silent Greeting; 6:00 Zazen; 6:25 Kinhin, 6:30 Ryaku Fusatsu; 7:00 Closing Gatha. Please Note: Entry: 5:40 -5:55 Only.
| 2026 Full Moon Dates | Ryaku Fusatsu Dates |
| January 3: Wolf Moon | January 4 |
| February 1: Snow Moon | February 1 |
| March 3: Worm Moon | March 1 |
| April 1: Pink Moon | March 29 |
| May 1: Flower Moon May 31: Blue Moon | May 3 May 31 |
| June 29: Strawberry Moon | June 28 |
| July 29: Buck Moon | July 26 |
| August 27: Sturgeon Moon | August 30 |
| September 26: Harvest Moon | September 27 |
| October 26: Hunter’s Moon | October 25 |
| November 24: Beaver Moon | November 22 |
| December 23: Cold Moon | December 20 |