8:00 a.m. – Japanese Language Service
9:30 a.m. – Combined Autumn Higan Family Service
1:00 p.m. – Japanese Language Service

About Higan

O-higan is one of the six major services of the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha Buddhist tradition, and literally means “the Other Shore,” a symbolic reference to the Pure Land of Amida Buddha.

O-higan is observed twice a year, once in the spring and the other in autumn, at the time when, due to the change of the seasons, both night and day become of equal length. Traditionally, it is a time of reflection on the path towards reaching the Other Shore of Enlightenment through the Six Paramitas (giving, right behavior, endurance/patience, endeavor/effort, meditation, & wisdom).

However, in the Jodo Shinshu tradition because the Vow of Amida Buddha has already enabled all sentient beings to reach the world of Enlightenment, the observance of O-higan has come to mean a refocusing on following the Six Paramitas, not as a way to reach the Pure Land. Instead, we express our gratitude to Amida Buddha, for the way to safely cross the turbulent sea of samsara to the Pure Land has already been laid down through Amida Buddha’s Infinite Compassion as expressed in the Primal Vow.

(From the September 2018 Goji newsletter)

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