January
January 1st – New Year’s Day (Shusho-E)
This is a day of dedication. With renewed resolution we dedicate ourselves to the way of the Nembutsu.
January 16th – Shinran Shonin Memorial Day (Hoonko)
Hoonko, meaning a gathering to express our gratitude, is a service in memory of Shinran Shonin (May 21, 1173-Janaury 16, 1262), the founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism.
February
February 15th – Nirvana Day (Nehan-E)
On this day, we solemnly observe the passing of Sakyamuni Buddha into Nirvana. Although he attained enlightenment and became the Buddha, he was still in his earthly form, subject to birth and death, but his teachings embodying the spirit of Buddhahood is eternal.
March
Spring Ohigan (Higan-E)
Higan, meaning, “Other Shore,” is a service conducted during the Spring equinox. At this time, the weather is neither too warm nor too cold and the days and nights are of equal length. Therefore, we gather together and turn our minds to the harmony of nature and devote ourselves to the realization of this harmony in our inner lives while concentrating on the Six Paramita or Six Perfections. They include selfless giving (dana), discipline (sila), patience (ksanti), endeavor (virya), meditation (dhyana) and wisdom (prajna) and we humbly put them into practice.
April
April 8th – Buddha Day (Hanamatsuri)
Hanamatsuri, which literally means, “flower festival,” is a service held to commemorate the birth of Siddhartha Gautama in Lumbini Garden. Amida, the Buddha of Infinite Wisdom and Compassion, manifested himself among all sentient beings as Siddhartha Gautama.
May
May 21st – Shinran Shonin Day (Gotan-E)
The birthday of Shinran Shonin is commemorated on May 21st by followers of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism throughout the world. This day is also referred to as Fujimatsuri or Wisteria Festival Day at some of the temples. For Jodo Shinshu followers, this day is most important as it was Shinran Shonin who developed the Nembutsu teachings.
June
BWA Service honoring Lady Takeko Kujo (1887-1928)
Lady Takeko Kujo (1887-1928) was the founder of the Buddhist Women’s Association. Lady Kujo was the daughter of Myonyo Koshon Ohtani (1850-1903), the 21st Monshu. (The Monshu is the Spiritual Leader and Head of Hongwanji, and is a direct descendant of Shinran Shonin.) Lady Kujo is best known for her humanitarian activities, particularly after the great Tokyo earthquake of 1923. She was instrumental in the construction of the Asoka Hospital in its aftermath. Through the establishment of the Buddhist Women’s Association, she sought to redefine the role of women in temple life. She also wrote numerous poems and gathas that expressed her deep appreciation of the Nembutsu teaching.
July
July 15th-August 15th Gathering of Joy (Obon)
The Obon service and Obon Odori (folk dancing), which accompanies it, are observed between July 15th and August 15th in the Buddhist temples and communities. The Buddhist Temple of Salinas observes our Obon service and festival in July. Together they form a mixture of solemn respect and reflection and a time of rejoicing in the teachings. The true significance of the Obon service and festival lies in the re-dedication our ourselves to the Buddhist way of life by reflecting upon the love, affection, compassion, and virtues that our parents and others who have passed before us have given to us while they were still alive.
August
Rennyo Shonin Memorial Service
In the month of August, the Buddhist Temple of Salinas holds a memorial service for Rennyo Shonin. He was the 8th Abbott of Jodo Shinshu and is considered the second founder of Jodo Shinshu (after Shinran Shonin) for his propagation of Jodo Shinshu concepts.
September
Fall Ohigan (Higan-E)
It has been a long Buddhist tradition to gather in our temples twice a year during the Spring and Fall equinox to recall the Six Paramitas, which include selfless giving (dana), discipline (sila), patience (ksanti), endeavor (virya), meditation (dhyana) and wisdom (prajna) and humbly put them into practice.
October
October – Perpetual Memorial Service (Eitaikyo) Memorial Service The Eitaikyo service is a special memorial service held for all of our loved ones who have departed this universe. The Eitaikyo memorial service embraces all of our departed loved ones and is a time set aside to pay respect and remembrance for our beloved ones who have returned to the Pure Land before us. It is a day when our thoughts may reflect to happier days and the impact of sharing life with those who have passed and to realize the impermanence of this world and the importance
of faith in Amida Buddha in our every day lives.
November
November – BWA Memorial Service
This a memorial service to honor the Buddhist Women’s Association members who have passed away. We honor their efforts to make our lives and the temple what it is today.
December
December 8th – Bodhi Day (Jodo-E)
Siddhartha Gautama meditated under the Bodhi Tree (Tree of Enlightenment) and became the Buddha, perfect in Wisdom and Compassion. This historic event took place on December 8th as the first faint light of day began to glow in the eastern sky. By his example, he showed us that it was possible for human beings to become a Buddha, which is a fully enlightened person. Therefore, we are in possession of this potentiality called Buddha-nature, which awakened and cultivated, will enable us to achieve supreme Wisdom and Compassion.
December 31st – New Year’s Eve (Joya-E)
At the end of each year it is a custom to attend the New Year’s Eve service to bring the year to a close. It provides us with an opportunity to quietly contemplate on the events of the past year and to rejoice in gratitude for the many opportunities we were able to enjoy.
This Source Material is from: The Buddhist Holidays illustrated by Setsuko Takemura, The Buddhist Holidays by Rev. George Shibata, and Buddhist Holidays/Services by Mike Shibata