This article first appeared in the March 2023 Goji newsletter.

Every spring and fall, the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist tradition observes O-higan. Ohigan in Buddhism means the other shore of enlightenment, in contrast to samsara or the world of delusion, in which we unenlightened beings are living. Over on the shore of enlightenment stands Amida Buddha, beckoning us to cross over, while on the shore of samsara stands Shakyamuni Buddha urging us to move forward without fear or hesitation.

This day, in Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, is also known as Sanbutsu-e. O-higan is observed during both the spring and autumn equinox because both seasons represent nature and the universe in harmony. Daylight and night hours are of equal length and the days are neither too hot or too cold. It is during this time of O-higan that Jodo Shinshu Buddhists contemplate on the six paramitas or perfections in Buddhist practice, the qualities of an enlightened being.

Honpa Hongwanji Hawai‘i Betsuin will observe the 2023 Spring O-higan or vernal equinox on March 19, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. in person and via Zoom (hybrid). See Zoom connection details if you’d like to join us online. This year’s guest online speaker will be the Rev. Irene Nakamoto.

Rev. Irene Nakamoto is the wife of Rev. David Nakamoto, who served as minister at Kailua Hongwanji from 2010-2017. Rev. Irene received her Tokudo Ordination in 2003 in Kyoto, Japan. She became the Acting Director of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii Office of Buddhist Education. She left the position in 2006 to become a caregiver, but continued to be active in Hongwanji activities. She is a past president of the Hawaii Federation of Buddhist Women’s Associations and continues to serve as the Education Committee co-chair.