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OHIGAN SERVICE “Higan”
means “the other shore” and the word is the Japanese translation of the
Sanskrit term of “ Ohigan is observed twice a
year, March and September. Each Ohigan period last
one week: from March 18th to 24th in the spring and
from September 18th to 25th in the fall. During the Ohigan period, the special teaching of Buddha to lead us
to “Satori”, the attainment of Nirvana, is
practiced. We try to understand
the true meaning of the “Six Paramitas” and obtain
the “Virtue” shown through the teaching. “Paramita”
means to reach “the other shore” in a way of attaining Nirvana. The “Six Paramitas” mean the six ways to “Satori”:
giving or sharing, self restraint, patience, effort, meditation, and wisdom.
Each of these ways symbolizes a religious virtue based on compassion or love
for everything in the world. Through these ways,
we can obtain the Buddha’s virtue. The progress of the approach creates a
step in our religious practice and this is very important for Shingon Buddhists. As an understanding of the true
meaning of this, we offer water, powdered incense, flowers,
stick incense, rice, and candle light in symbolism of the virtue of the “Six Paramitas”, and pray for our ancestor’s eternal, peaceful
journey after death. We vow our efforts to be good Buddhists according to the
teachings showed to us by Buddha. The vow which we practice during the Ohigan,
should be always kept even after the period. Six Paramitas
The water of a desert oasis should be shared
by all people who come along. Let us share good things together.
The fragrance of good incense creates a
peaceful atmosphere by chasing unclean air. Let us chase twisted desires out
of our minds with strong self-restraint.
The seed of a flower waits patiently in the
ground during the winter and blossoms beautifully in spring time. Let us
learn the virtue of patience from the flower.
The burning of a stick of incense does not
stop until the end comes. Let us keep on making an effort until our good
purposes are accomplished.
Foods are the sources to keep the health and
strength of our bodies. Let us keep our mind healthy and strong through the
power of meditation.
The light of a candle brings darkness into
brightness. Let us have the power of wisdom become our guidance toward
happiness and peace. |
