Deep wishes in Buddhist events ~ From Kanbutsu-e to Jodo-e, a number of teachings that resonate with the heart ~
Each Buddhist event that is rooted in our lives has a deep meaning and prayer. From Kanbutsu-e, which celebrates the birth of Buddha, to Jodo-e, which is enlightened, the seasonal rituals are not just a form. The teachings of the heart that our ancestors have carefully inherited still guide us and continue to illuminate our lives. At first glance, Buddhist events tend to be accepted only as traditional events, but each prayer contains the wisdom that allows us to survive in the modern age.
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Gratitude for a new life learned from Kanbutsue
The Kanbutsu-kai, known as the Hana Matsuri, which celebrates the birth of Buddha on April 8th, is one of the most popular Buddhist events in Japan. According to tradition, Buddha was born from the right side of Maya s wife and pointed to the heavens and the earth and said, Tenjo Tenka Yuiga Dokuson. This does not mean that only you are precious, but that all lives are precious and irreplaceable.
The act of pouring sweet tea at Kanbutsu-e is derived from the legend that the dragon king poured sweet dew from heaven. The act of sprinkling sweet tea on the birth Buddha by a worshiper not only expresses the heart to honor the Buddha, but also has the meaning of purifying our own hearts and welcoming a fresh day as if we were reborn. The custom of having sweet tea also contains a wish to exorcise evil and prepare the mind. The sweetness is the very teaching of Buddhism that joy resides firmly in suffering. We must not forget that even if we face trials and troubles in life, the light of hope continues to shine behind it.
The Meaning of Growth and Wisdom Shown by Jusanmairi
Jusanmairi is a traditional event held at Horinji Temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto, and it is an important prayer for 13-year-old children to worship Kokuzo Bosatsu and receive wisdom. Children at this time are at a turning point from children to adults, and they will reach a turning point to grow greatly as a human being. Making a vow to life in front of the Buddha at that turning point has the meaning of engraving wisdom to survive the future in their hearts.
Kokuzo Bosatsu symbolizes infinite wisdom and compassion. In modern society, when we are at a loss for human relationships, work, and life choices, the teaching of accepting things with a wide heart like a void will support our hearts as it is. Also, the custom of "Do not look back" when crossing the Togetsu Bridge at Horinji Temple embodies the courage to go forward without being caught in the past. In life, it can be said that the attitude of continuing to move forward with the wisdom obtained in the chest rather than excessively regretting the past is the true way to make use of wisdom.
46,000 Days and the Mercy of Avalokiteshvara
The July 10th festival of Kanzeon Bodhisattva is called "46,000 days," and it is said that by worshiping on this day, you can obtain 46,000 days worth of merit. It is not only exaggeration and superstition, but also represents the Buddhist law of cause and effect that "one sincerity produces infinite merit." Just as one sincere act sometimes moves the hearts of countless people, our daily small actions have great significance.
Also, on this day, "Hozuki Market" is held at Sensoji Temple, and it is crowded with many worshipers. Hozuki is also a beautiful symbol that colors summer, and by picking up the fruit, we can feel the compassion of nature and Kannon. It can be said that it is an event that makes us aware of the connection with nature and people again for us who tend to lose sight of the season in a busy society.
The Heart of Mercy Learned from Segakie
The Segaki-kai, held during the Obon period, is a ritual to feed those who suffer from hunger after falling into the starvation path. This conveys the importance of having compassion not only for visible beings but also for those who are not directly involved and those who suffer from loneliness.
Modern people tend to focus only on themselves and their families, but the spirit of Segaki-kai gives us wisdom to see things from a larger perspective. It is also said that chanting the name of the Five Nyorai releases hunger and anxiety in the heart. The presence of these Nyorai reminds us of the power to live with compassion and peace in our daily lives. We can also be saved by being conscious of small alms in our lives.
The Meaning of Practice in Jodo-e
The Narudo-e on December 8 is a memorial service to commemorate Buddha's enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Rather than turning away from the hardships of life, the appearance of being able to obtain wisdom by facing directly is a reliable teaching for us living now.
The Jodo Association has a custom of receiving "Hachigayu." This is based on the story that Buddha, who was exhausted from penance, regained his power by receiving milk porridge from a village girl. In the journey of life, you may reach the limit by yourself alone. At that time, the origin of Hachigayu teaches us the importance of accepting the goodwill of others obediently. Also, by extending a little compassion to others, we can change someone's life.
Teaching of Other Events
In Rokusai Nenbutsu, you can deepen your view of life and death by offering comfort and offering to all living things. In Daruma Memorial, we learn the importance of continuing efforts, following the example of Daruma Daishi who practiced tremendous patience. At the Buddhist memorial service, each person's beliefs and lights gather, and you will have the courage to walk together from the appearance of becoming a big light. In Hoonko, we remember the importance of being aware and grateful for the gratitude we receive in our daily lives, such as parents, teachers, and companions. And the Ten Night Buddhist Service teaches the value of putting your heart into it in a limited time.
Events that deepen our view of life and death, such as the Rokudo pilgrimage, also serve as food for us to find the power to live our daily lives to the fullest. What these various Buddhist events have in common is compassion and wisdom. Wishing not only for your own happiness but also for the happiness of others, cultivating a mind that sees the truth of things. That is the meaning that flows at the root of Buddhist events.
Summary
In modern society, there are many people who feel distant from Buddhist events. However, the prayers and teachings left by our ancestors are important wisdom that supports our hearts living in the present. Life is never flat and sometimes we face difficulties, but by walking every day with compassion and wisdom, we can relieve suffering and find hope.
In Kanbutsu-kai, we remember the preciousness of life, in Jusanmairi, we confirm our own growth, in 46,000 days, we touch the mercy of Kanzeon Bodhisattva, in Segaki-kai, we develop compassion for invisible beings, and in Jodo-kai, we learn the power to overcome difficulties. These events are not just traditions and forms, but teachings that deeply taste life and are important opportunities to prepare the mind.
私自身も仏教行事に参加するたびに、その背後にある深い意味や祈りに心を打たれています。例えば、灌仏会での「甘茶を注ぐ」儀式は、単なるお祝いではなく、心を清め新たな命の尊さを実感する機会だと感じました。この儀式を通じて、日常の忙しさに埋もれがちな感謝の気持ちを改めて思い出し、生きる活力をもらえます。 また、十三参りで虚空蔵菩薩に智慧を授かる習慣は、私たちが人生の大切な転換期に立ち止まり、自分の成長やこれからの道を見つめ直す貴重な時間です。私も十三参りを通じて、過去にとらわれず未来へ進む勇気を持つことの大切さを学びました。 四万六千日の観世音菩薩の縁日は、日々の小さな善行や心からの祈りが大きな功徳につながるという教えを象徴しています。私も普段の生活で、些細なことでも誠実に行動する意義を感じるようになりました。そして、ほおずき市の雰囲気や季節感が心を和ませ、自然とのつながりを再認識させてくれます。 施餓鬼会では、直接会うことのない人や孤独な存在への思いやりを育むことが強調されており、現代のストレス社会においても広い心を持つことの重要性を再確認させられます。五如来の名号を唱えることで、私自身も心の飢えや不安を少しずつ解きほぐす体験をしました。 成道会における「臘八粥」の故事は、他人の善意を素直に受け入れることの大切さを説いています。人生の厳しい局面で支え合う心が大切だと実感しており、それは私の生活でも共感できる教えです。 これら仏教行事を通じて学んだことは、単に過去の伝統や形式を繰り返すだけでなく、現代を生きる私たちの心を癒し、人生を豊かにする智慧の宝庫であるということです。行事に参加することで、慈悲と智慧が育まれ、日々の困難を乗り越える力が湧いてきます。私の体験が、この記事を読まれる皆さんにとっても心の支えとなれば幸いです。
