Buddhist Holiday Observances at ESS
The following list of Buddhist holidays is by no means exhaustive or indicative of the practices of other temples or streams of Buddhadharma.
Ongoing Observances
January
New Year’s Day - while technically not a Buddhist holiday, the occasion is used to renew commitment to live the Dharma in the new year and vow to renounce the 108 Bon-No (or 108 ways one can transgress against one’s fellow creatures).
February
Nirvana Day - Usually observed the second Sunday in February, is the date, according to Mahayana tradition, of Shakyamuni Buddha’s death and passing into Mahaparinirvana (complete extinction of ego-self and reuinification with the universe). Link to the Buddha’s last words.
March
Spring O-Higan
April
Hanamatsuri or Wesak - Usually the Sunday on or before April 8, the observance of the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, who would eventually become the historical Buddha. Please note April 3, 2005 Hanamatsuri will be the last official service at 1151 W. Leland. Refer to the sitemap for changes to our schedule an dlocations during demolition of the old temple and construction of the new one.
May
Hatsumairi or Parents’ Day--This is the first formal visit by a child to the Temple. The child and parents participate in a brief ceremony including the Three Treasures. Each child receives a certificate of Hatsumairi (First Presentation) and an o-juzu (meditation beads).
August
September
Fall O-Higan
November
Ho-on-ko
December
Bodhi Day
Eastern Sun Sangha
Focusing on Everyday Spirituality
