ANNUAL HOLIDAYS
January
1/1 New Year’s Day (Shusho-e): This is a gathering to learn from our past and begin the New Year with a renewed resolution to endeavor to live a life in the Nembutsu.
1/16 Hoon-ko: This commemorates the passing of the founder of the Jodo Shin Denomination, Shinran Shonin (1173-1263).
February
2/15 Nirvana Day (Nehan-e): The service commemorates the passing of Siddhartha, the historical Buddha.
March
3/21 Spring Higan (Shunki Higan-e): Held around the Spring Equinox when nature seems to be in balance, we should reflect on the harmony in our inner lives.
April
4/8 Hanamatsuri (Buddha Day): We commemorate the birth of Siddhartha, the historical Buddha, in Lumbini Garden.
May
5/21 Gotan-e (Shinran Shonin Day): Celebrates the birth of Shinran Shonin, the founder of the Jodo Shinshu school, in (1173-1263).
July
7/15 Obon (Kangi-e – A Gathering of Joy): A memorial day providing us an opportunity to gratitude, not only to our ancestors but to all who have passed before us.
September
9/1 BCA Founding Day: Commemorates the founding of the Buddhist Churches of America.
9/22 Fall Higan (Shuki Higan): Like the Spring Higan, it provides us an opportunity to reflect on the inner peace.
November
11/3 Pet Memorial Service: This service is to express our gratitude and remember the love and many lessons given to us by our pets.
11/3 Eitaikyo (Perpetual Memorial Service): This service dedicated to showing our gratitude to those who helped the local temple and its Sangha grow in the Dharma.
December
12/8 Bodhi Day (Jodo-e): Commemorates the awakening of Siddhartha to the Dharma while meditating under the Bodhi Tree.
12/31 Year End Service (Joya-e). This is a time to reflect upon our interdependence on everything that has helped us live this past year. It is also a time we ring a bell 108 times to symbolically cast off our 108 defilements and attachments binding us to this world of delusion.