Calendar
NEW YEAR’S DAY (SHUSHO-E)
January 1st
MEMORIAL FOR SHINRAN SHONIN (HŌONKŌ)
January 16th
NIRVANA DAY (NEHAN-E)
February 15th
SPRING AND AUTUMN EQUINOX (O-HIGAN)
During the equinoxes
BUDDHA SHAKYAMUNI’S BIRTHDAY (HANAMATSURI)
April 8th
FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY (RIKYOKAISHU-E)
April 15th
SHINRAN SHONIN’S BIRTHDAY (GOTAN-E)
May 21st
ANCESTOR DAY (OBON-E / URABON-E)
August 15th
PERPETUAL SUTRA CHANTING (EITAIKYO)
During Autumn.
BUDDHA’S ENLIGHTENMENT DAY (JŌDŌ-E)
December 8th
YEAR-END CEREMONY (JŌYA-E)
December 31st
Explanation
New Year’s Day (Shusho-e)
The first day of the year is an opportune time to set goals and reflect on the future. For practitioners of the Nembutsu, it is meaningful to welcome the new year by formally greeting the Buddha. On this occasion, the altar should be clean and orderly, decorated with appropriate offerings and fresh flowers if possible. The New Year’s service typically includes the following steps: Shoshinge, Nembutsu, and six Wasan.
Memorial for Shinran Shonin (Hōonkō)
January 16th is dedicated to Shinran Shonin, founder of this Buddhist school, who passed away in 1262. Hō'on'kō is a memorial service in which followers remember his legacy and express gratitude to Amida Buddha and Shinran Shōnin for awakening in us infinite light and diamond-steady confidence.
Nirvana Day (Nehan-e)
On February 15th, we commemorate the death of Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha, who attained final Nirvana more than 2,500 years ago. In his last sermon, the Buddha taught the impermanence of life and the eternity of the wisdom of enlightenment. He urged us to rely on our own efforts and the light revealed through his teachings. This day reminds us of his legacy and infinite compassion.
Spring and Autumn Equinox (O-Higan)
O-Higan means "the other shore." During the equinoxes, when day and night are equal, Japanese Buddhist schools celebrate the transition toward enlightenment. It is a time to honor ancestors, visit their graves, and reflect on the six paramitas: charity, ethics, patience, effort, meditation, and wisdom. In Jodo Shinshu, it is an opportunity to acknowledge our limitations and trust in the compassion of Amida Buddha, who guides us toward enlightenment.
Buddha Shakyamuni’s Birthday (Hanamatsuri)
On April 8th, we celebrate the birth of Buddha Shakyamuni during the Flower Festival (Hanamatsuri). According to tradition, he was born under an asoka tree in Lumbini Park. It is said that upon his birth, he took seven steps and proclaimed, "I am supreme in the world; this is my last birth." On this day, altars are decorated with flowers, and statues of the baby Buddha are bathed in sweet tea, recalling the heavenly rain that marked his arrival.
Foundation Anniversary (Rikyokaishu-e)
On April 15th, Pure Land schools celebrate the anniversary of the completion of the Kyogyoshinsho, the magnum opus of Shinran Shonin. This text reveals the true teachings of the Nembutsu and the compassion of Amida Buddha, who grants us the merits to attain rebirth in the Pure Land. This anniversary honors the moment when the universal teachings of the Nembutsu were made accessible to the world.
Shinran Shonin’s Birthday (Gotan-e)
May 21st is a joyful day for Jodo Shinshu followers, as it marks the birth of Shinran Shonin in 1173. Persecuted for his revolutionary ideas, he served as a bridge between the monastic and lay worlds, dedicating his life to bringing the Nembutsu teachings to all people, regardless of their background. Today, we express gratitude for his legacy and the light he brought to the world through Amida Buddha’s teachings.
Ancestor Day (Obon-e / Urabon-e)
On August 15th, we honor our ancestors, remembering that their legacy lives within us. This is an opportunity to reflect on impermanence and express gratitude for their efforts and sacrifices, which shaped our present. As Rennyo Shonin said: "Those who remain, those who depart, all pass faster than dew drops falling from the leaves."
Perpetual Sutra Chanting (Eitaikyo)
Eitaikyo means "eternally chanting sutras." This tradition, which began in the Edo period, is celebrated annually with the chanting of the three Pure Land sutras. In our community, this event takes place during autumn, connecting us with the Dharma and the compassion of the Buddha.
Buddha’s Enlightenment Day (Jōdō-e)
On December 8th, we commemorate the day the historical Buddha attained enlightenment. According to tradition, after days of intense meditation under a Bodhi tree, he defeated Mara, the Lord of Illusion, and discovered the interconnectedness of all beings and Dharmas. This day reminds us of the Noble Eightfold Path as a guide to liberation.
Year-End Ceremony (Jōya-e)
December 31st is a time to express gratitude to Amida Buddha for his guidance throughout the year. This day is celebrated by cleaning the altar, offering fresh flowers, and chanting the Shoshinge, renewing our faith for the coming year.