Observances and monthly memorial service

In addition to hearing the Dharma talk, Monthly Memorial Services are an opportunity for each of us to honour our parents, relatives and friends who have passed on before us. We usually celebrate them on the anniversary month of their passing. If they were a Buddhist follower, they will have a Buddhist name and the family will bring this to place on the stand before the service (and collect it after offering incense at the end of the service). For those non-buddhist being honoured, we can bring a memorial item and place that on the stand in the same way(I usually bring a snooker ball for my dad who played pool passionately throughout his life).

Shin Buddhist Observances are special anniversary dates observed by Jodo Shinshu followers. Oftentimes, these as well as Monthly Memorials are followed by a meal served by temple toban (volunteers).

Please check the calendar for current dates:

January 1st Shusho-e (New Year’s Day) (January 1st)

On January 1st, Shin Buddhists gather at the temple to welcome the new year with family and old and new friends. January Ho-on-ko (Shinran Shonin Memorial Day) (January 16th) Hoonko is celebrated in memory of Shinran Shonin (May 21, 1173 – January 16, 1262), the founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism.

February

Nehan-e (Nirvana Day).

Nehan-e is the day when Buddhists observe the passing of Shakyamuni Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism) into Pari-nirvana (complete enlightenment).

March

Higan-e (Spring Equinox, “The Other Shore”, Enlightenment).

Higan-e is a service conducted around the spring equinox, when harmony rules throughout the universe. We gather before the shrine of Amida Buddha to devote ourselves to the realization of this harmony in our inner lives.

It is a moment of reflection and thanksgiving to our ancestors. The word "higan" comes from the Sanskrit word "Paramita" which expresses the idea that the Buddha guides people from this worldly shore to the other shore of the Pure Land.

In Japan, special services are conducted for a period of one week during the equinox to pay respect to their ancestors just as they do during Obon. Ohigan is referred in Japanese as "San Butsu E" or "Gathering to Praise the Buddha."

The Ohigan service is devoted to expressing our gratitude for being awakened to Amida's Infinite Wisdom and Compassion, thus, directing Amida's Wisdom and Compassion to other sentient beings and other living things.

April

Hanamatsuri (Buddha Day).

Hanamatsuri is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Siddhartha Gautama in Lumbini Garden. During the service, Hanamido (a flower shrine) is set up in front of the main shrine as a symbol of Lunbini Garden where the sangha offers flowers and pours sweet tea over the image of the infant Buddha.

May

Gotan-e (Shinran Shonin Day).

Gotan-e celebrates the birthday of the founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, Shinran Shonin (born May 21, 1173). He experienced many hardships and suffering during his life which led his path to enlightenment.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinran_Shonin

July

Obon & Bon-Odori Festival (July – August).

Obon (or just “Bon”) is often referred to as “Gathering of Joy” and is a time to celebrate the Bon-Odori Festival, which traditionally includes dancing. Originating in Japan, Obon is a Buddhist memorial period for rejoicing in the enlightenment offered by the Buddha (to honour our ancestors).

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obon

September

Higan-e (Fall Equinox, “The Other Shore”, Enlightenment) (September 23rd).

Higan-e, also celebrated in the spring, celebrates the Autumn Equinox to recall the practices of Six Paramita (Giving, Discipline, Patience, Endeavour, Meditation and Wisdom).

October

Jodo Shinshu Day.

Jodo Shinshu Day marks the day that Jodo Shinshu Buddhism was officially introduced in Canada. On October 12, 1905, Senju Sasaki sensei arrived in Vancouver from Nishi Hongwanji, Kyoto, Japan to serve as the first Jodo Shinshu (minister/teacher) in Japan. The light of Nembutsu has been carried on by its members of Sangha as the guiding light in life since then.

November

Eshinni Day celebrates and honours the women in Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. Eshinni was Shinran Shonin's wife and an independent woman who supported Shinran both financially and materially. Eshinni is also sometimes regarded as the "Mother" of the Jodo Shinshu sect.

Source: http://www.bcc.ca/jodoshinshu/eshinni.html

December

Jodo-e (Bodhi Day).

Jodo-e celebrates the day that Siddhartha Gautama meditated under the Bodhi Tree (Tree of Enlightenment) and became Shakymuni Buddha, perfect in Wisdom and Compassion.

December 31st

Joya-e (New Year’s Eve) December 31st-January 1st.

Many Shin Buddhists celebrate the end of the year with a bell ringing. It is traditional for the temple bell to ring 108 times symbolizing the shedding of the 108 passions. The temple often performs this approaching midnight at the UBC Asian Centre.