Each year we pay our respects to Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion with a ceremony and an opportunity to relieve suffering. The Sunday sitting begins at the usual time (8:30), followed by the ceremony, which includes the ceremonial chanting of the Ten-Verse Kannon Sutra 108 times. We do prostrations for part of the chanting, and there is also an opportunity to make a pledge of a monetary donation at the altar if you wish, to Amnesty International. In addition, Roshi gives a short talk about Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, and reads the 25th Chapter of the Lotus Sutra on the powers of Avalokitesvara (Kannon). The ceremony is then followed by morning tea and letter-writing for prisoners of conscience. If you have a Kannon figure at home, bring it for the altar.