Segaki is a ceremony to feed hungry ghosts; those suffering within us and those suffering all around the world. The ceremony includes a memorial service for loved ones who have died.

What is a Gaki?

A gaki is a hungry ghost with a tiny throat too narrow to swallow anything and a painfully swollen belly that aches with hunger and thirst. When they put food in their mouths it transforms into fire or blood. At Segaki we offer hungry ghosts spiritual sustenance to relieve their torment.

Memorial

We  remember the dead in our annual memorial service. Write names on the “Great Abiding Friends” scroll before the evening of October 30. This scroll will be in the zendo entry for the month of October. The names will be read during Segaki.

Food Donation

To donate food to the hungry: Bring non-perishable food items to the Zen Center for feeding the living, hungry beings in our Rogue Valley. The basket for food donations will be on the zendo porch. Food will be collected until the ceremony and distributed locally through the Food Bank.

Segaki Notes

1. This event is open to everyone. If you are new to Ashland Zen Center you will benefit from zazen instruction before the night of Segaki. Zazen instruction is offered at 6:20 p.m. on Wednesdays, but not the night of Segaki. RSVP for zazen instruction
2. Arrive by 7:00 pm. A period of zazen, silent meditation, will begin at 7:10pm. The Segaki Ceremony will follow zazen.
3. Bring a noisemaker or musical instrument. Tradition says hungry ghosts feel affinity for loud, harsh sounds so we make a lot of noise to attract them.