Click on any picture for a larger view, or a projector icon for a video clip.
After the ceremonial festival in the Zendo, when the baby Buddha figure is bathed with sweet tea, everyone gathers
downstairs for a birthday cake and a Zeñata.

The youngest gets to blow out the candle, and also goes first with the Zeñata, but getting everyone served
some cake takes top priority Mark Sosetsu Stauffer does the honors as the kids look on.

The Zeñata is in the form of a white elephant, and is hung from a steam pipe in the tea room. An adult
or older Dharma School student controls the height, sometimes making it bob and dance to complicate matters for
the older kids.

The order goes up the age list, with younger kids getting two whacks, and older kids getting just one. We give
the Zeñata plenty of weak spots, but because it swings free, it is not easy to break. Here Zoe Palmer takes
her turn.
The Zeñata is filled with small toys and some candy, but also confetti. Here Thomas Albanese makes confetti
fly.
The elephant is worse for wear after most the kids have had a go at it, but there is still more treasure to
release.
Here Annie Rose Macer takes her turn.
.
No, the elephant didn't reassemble itself. Brenden Luworo took his turn somewhat earlier in the process.
.
Ellen Clark makes contact with a leg.

Will Palmer gets ready to take a swing.

For a video clip of Nathan Martin's, big swing, click the projector on the left.