Resonance of Culture: The Historic Japanese Bell-Ringing Ceremony at the Asian Art Museum

An experience the San Francisco Chronicle calls “a great way to end a year and start a new year.”
The Asian Art Museum in San Francisco rings in the New Year by taking a swing at a 2,100-pound, 16th-century Japanese temple bell- a tradition that the museum has held annually for nearly four decades. Led by Reverend Gengo Akiba, this inspiring ceremony includes a purification ritual and chanting of the Buddhist Heart Sutra. Visitors have the opportunity to ring the bell to leave behind any unfortunate experiences, regrettable deeds, or ill luck from the year. The bell is struck 108 times to usher in the New Year and curb the 108 mortal desires (bonno) that, according to Buddhist belief, torment humankind.
Learn more at asianart.org.