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Japanese
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| What We Offer - Services > Special |
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In addition to the regular weekly services, the Betsuin observes a number of sepcuial Buddhist holidays throughout the calendar year. During these special services, the Sangha from San Jose, Morgan Hill and Gliroy gather in San Jose to listen to the Dharma and to share their appreciation with one another. These are times to reflect upon and appreciate the intricate bonds that enable us to live, and to show our gratitude for the teachings and the teachers who serve as guides in our journey toward spiritual understanding. Although we recognize the official dates of these special observances, other than Shusho-E (New Year) and Joya-E (New Year's Eve), the services are held at the Betsuin on the Sunday nearest the actual date. 1 - Shusho-E New Year's Day Service 16 - Goshoki Hoonko Shinran Shonin's Memorial Service
21 - Shunki Higan-E Spring Ohigan 8 - Hanamatsuri Shakyamuni Buddha's Birthday
21 - Shusho Gotan-E Shinran Shonin's Birthday
Urabon-E Obon Memorial Service
23 - Shuki Higan-E Autumn Ohigan 8 - Bodhi Day Enlightenment Day 31 - Joya-E New Year's Eve Service
Explanations of Special Services
This is traditionally the first service of the year, held on the morning of New Year's Day. It is a time to renew and affirm our ties to the Nembutsu teaching and to our fellow members of the Sangha. Goshoki Hoonko Shinran Shonin's Memorial Service This is the observance of the anniversary of the death of Shinran Shonin, the founder of the Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism. The purpose of the service is to repay a debt of gratitude to Shinran Shonin for opening the Nembutsu teachings to us. Within the Nishi Hongwanji tradition, this is the most important observance of the year. At the San Jose Betsuin, the annual New Year's Party is held immediately following this service.
The Nirvana Gathering recognizes that although Shakyamuni Buddha attained Enlightenment and entered the state of Nirvana, he retained his physical body and therefore did not achieve complete Nirvana. This observance therefore commemorates the death of Shakyamuni Buddha and his entrance into complete Nirvana.
In Jodo Shinshu tradition this observance is also called San Butsu-E (Gathering to Praise Buddha). There are two observances of Ohigan - one in the Spring and the other in the Fall or Autumn. These coincide with the Spring and Autumnal equinox. These two days of equal day and night are also moderate in temperature and are therefore considered ideal for contemplating the Nembutsu teaching. The "other shore" is in reference to the other shore of enlightenment as opposed to this shore being the world of Samsara (Life and Death). Since it is through the power of Amida Buddha's vow that we are allowed to transcend this world to the world of enlightenment, this is a special day set aside to praise Buddha.
This is the day we celebrate the birth of Shakyamuni Buddha's birthday. Legend tells us that when the Shakyamuni Buddh was born in Lumbini's Garden, the entire garden was in full bloom. At his birth, sweet rain fell from the sky and the Earth shook in six directions. On this day, we celebrate the birth of Buddha and commemorate it by bathing an image of the baby Buddha with sweet tea. The image of the baby Buddha is enshrined in a Hanamido (Flower Viewing Hall) decorated with many colorful flowers.
Also known as the Fujimatsuri or Wisteria Festival, this service celebrates the birth of Shinran Shonin, the founder of our sect of Buddhism. The wisteria is the flower that represents our sect and is visible as a mon (crest) in our Temples and within most of our publications. The wisteria is symbolic of Jodo Shinshu in that unlike other flowers which seem to stand up straight and tall when in full blossom, the wisteria hangs down, as if in humility. This teaches us that a true and real human being does not stand up in arrogance of their accomplishments, but rather realizes that they have much to be grateful for. In connection with this very special observance, then Betsuin holds a Shosanshiki (First Visit Ceremony) or Infant Presentation Service. This service is held for all the new born children born to the Sangha over the past year. It is a day to present the child to Buddha and to the Sangha, and to celebrate their first step upon the Dharma path. This service is held in memorial to all the past Bishops of the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA), in recognition of all they have done to help spread the Dharma. This service is dedicated to Sangha graduates from High School and College. Presentation of the Betsuin scholarships are held, and a luncheon is hosted by the Junior Young Buddhists Association (Jr. YBA) for the graduates, their parents and their families. Held on the second weekend in July (both Saturday and Sunday), this is the largest festival of the year for the Betsuin. The Obon festival and the Obon Memorial Service held the following week are held in recognition of a story found in the Ulambana Sutra. The story concerns one the Shakyamuni Buddha's ten great disciples, Mogallana. In the Sutra, it tells of how Mogallana learned the true meaning of gratitude through the life of his deceased mother and the help of Shakyamuni Buddha. It was said that at his realization, Mogallana's joy was so great, that he began to dance. In commemoration of this legend, one of the highlights of the Obon festival is the Obon dancing by the members of our Sangha. This is a very colorful event, with plenty to do, see and eat for the entire family. You do not need to be Buddhist or Japanese to appreciate the beauty and fun of this event. All of the Temples throughout the Jodo Shinshu tradition have Obon festivals. The festival season lasts approximately from late June to mid August. Each Temple's celebration can be quite unique.
Traditionally known as the Kangi-E or Gathering of Joy, the Urabon-E or Ulambana Gathering is held in dedication and gratitude for all the members of our Sangha who have died over the previous year. The name Kangi-E represents the joy we feel for Amida Buddha's vow to save all sentient beings. We also celebrate the joy in knowing our deceased Sangha members are similarly embraced in that compassion. On the Sunday following the Labor Day weekend, we resume our Dharma School
sessions from summer recess. Registration for Dharma School and Junior
Choir are held on this day.
In Jodo Shinshu tradition this observance is also called San Butsu-E (Gathering to Praise Buddha). There are two observances of Ohigan - one in the Spring and the other in the Fall or Autumn. These coincide with the Spring and Autumnal equinox. These two days of equal day and night are also moderate in temperature and are therefore considered ideal for contemplating the Nembutsu teaching. The "other shore" is in reference to the other shore of enlightenment as opposed to this shore being the world of Samsara (Life and Death). Since it is through the power of Amida Buddha's vow that we are allowed to transcend this world to the world of enlightenment, this is a special day set aside to praise Buddha. Also known as Jodo-E or Completion of the Path Gathering, this is the celebration of the day that Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment at the age of 35 years and became Shakyamuni Buddha. This year end service is held to express our gratitude for all the causes and conditions which have allowed us to live this year. It is a time to reflect upon the interdependence of all Sangha members and the lives we live. At the end of the service all those attending the service participate in the ringing of the Joya no Kane (Last Night Bell). The Temple's Bell is rung 108 times, signifying the 108 Bonno or Passions that make up our human existence. This bell is rung to recognize these traits in our own personalities and to express appreciation for Amida Buddha's compassion, for embracing us even with these traits. |
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