Ring in the New Year!

ringing the bell 108 times on new year’s eve

Traditionally Japanese Buddhist sects invite their Sangha to the Temple to help ring the Temple Bell 108 times. Although we are closed in lockdown, this page is meant to allow you to join us in this tradition.

The symbolic meaning of the number 108 represents our human imperfections. The folk belief is that if we acknowledge our imperfections by ringing the bell at the end of the year, you will start off the new year with a clean slate, the opportunity to live life free of the imperfections.

(See one explanation of how the number 108 was selected.)

Ring Our Virtual Bell with the Soundboard Below

To start, click on the triangle or “play” symbol. While the recording still sounds, ring the bell again to the right of the play symbol.

 
 

Notes: While the clip is playing, you can’t start it again using the “Play” symbol. Instead, click a bit to the right as shown above. Clicking further to the right catches the recording further into the bell’s ring, and will be softer in sound.

CLICK ON OUR BEGGING BOWL
TO Donate

If you enjoyed ringing the bell, please click on our begging bowl and leave a donation.