Ohigan:
The Higan service is a memorial service for our ancestors held during the week of Higan in March and again in September. The fourth day of the Higan week is the spring or fall equinox day.
Higan literally means "the other shore". The purpose of the Higan service is to send merit of the Lotus Sutra and the Odaimoku to the ancestors' spirits on the other shore of enlightenment. We also practice the Buddha's teaching in order to cross the river from this shore of illusions to the other shore of enlightenment by holding the Higan service. We remember the six paramitas (guides) to help our practice. The paramitas are:
- to give alms, such as one's knowledge, and peace of mind to others.
- to maintain discipline.
- to be patient.
- to persevere
- to meditate and
- to study.
Hanamatsuri:
A prince of the Sakya Clan was born on April eighth in the Lumbini Garden of India. He was given the name Siddhartha. It is said that when he was born, the Buddha stood up, and walked seven steps. Then, he said with his right hand raised to heaven, "I alone am honored in heaven and on earth."
We celebrate the Buddha's birthday by holding Hanamatsuri Service. At the service, a miniature tea house is decorated with flowers to symbolize the Lumbini Gardens. A statue of the baby Buddha is enshrined in the house. We pour sweet tea over the statue with a small ladle to symbolize the dragons raining down sweet rain to commemorate the Buddha's birth.
A member of the Samgha pours sweet tea over the baby Buddha's statue.
The Tea house represents the Lumbini Garden were the Buddha was born.
Mini Bazaar
Food is the main attraction of the Spring Mini Bazaar. Chicken Dombori and Japanese style Chow Mien are sold. Also there is a craft sale, bake goods and don't want to forget a raffle for wonderful prizes. The Mini Bazaar is usually held in March. Check the Calendar for times.
Lots of preparation goes into the Mini Bazaar. Vegetables need to be peeled and prepared, garnishes have to be made and the chicken cooked just right.
