Ohigan Ceremony Sunday, September 22 @ 10am-12pm

Kids Crafts & Art 1-3pm (Email to info@rklabuddhistcenter.com to let us know how many children you will be bringing so that they will have their sets of lantern craft)

Ohigan is a Japanese holiday for self-reflection and honoring one’s ancestors. Also called Higan-e or Higan, it is celebrated in Japan at both the spring and autumnal equinoxes, when the days and nights are of equal length. This time of seasonal transition is when the distance between the world of the living and the world of the dead is thought to be shortest. Ohigan translates as “crossing over to the other shore,” meaning nirvana, the Pure Land, or the realm of deceased loved ones.

Buddhism teaches that the end of life of your loved ones is not the end of the relationship with them. They continue to live in our heart and in stories we tell about them. In this sense, those who passed continue to live in different forms. In Rissho Kosei-Kai, we value the interdependence of life and honor our family ancestors and influencers who have passed by recognizing their names in order to appreciate our whole life. This is how we spiritually stay grounded and create peace in our heart.

Here is how you can participate: Download the form "Ancestral & Influencer Appreciation Form" to fill out and submit. Email to request the form: info@rklabuddhistcenter.com

FYI, here is a video that explains the meaing of honoring ancestors and influencers who have passed: https://youtu.be/3AHrkxjH1QM?si=U44s1VvotNN8BkZ9