On October 31, we celebrated SEJIKI,

an ancient Buddhist ceremony, in which we make a food offering to the Hungry Ghosts.
Hungry ghosts are all those spirits who feel unsatisfied and cannot get enough nourishment. They have large stomachs and thin throats. These beings can also be within ourselves. Sejiki is conducted for the benefit of these sprits. Their throats can be opened by special mantras, and they are able to receive food offerings.
At the end of the ceremony, names are read of sangha members, family and friends, who had died in the last year.

Because the spirits are not comfortable in a sacred space, a separate altar was put up on the opposite side of the zendo with many delicious food items.

Then we called them special sounds from noise instruments that they like.

Afterwards we enjoyed a community dinner with guests from the Election Retreat.