The autumn equinox is almost here.
Ohigan refers to the three days before and after the Vernal Equinox and Autumnal Equinox.
The autumn equinox in 2023 will be from September 20th to September 26th. (The first day of the equinox is September 20th, the middle day is September 23rd, and the last day of the equinox is September 26th.)
Now, this "Higan" is a word derived from the Sanskrit word "Paramita."
It means "to cross to the other side."
In the Jodo sect, we are faced with the idea of this shore, where we live and where there is so much suffering.
It refers to the other shore, the world of Buddha, or the Pure Land.
In the sutra called "Amida Sutra,"
It is said that "Watch the sun sink into the west, where the Pure Land is located, and think of the Pure Land."
On the spring and autumn equinoxes, the sun sets due west, and people visit graves and other activities to pray to the Pure Land.
It means that we should join our hands and chant the Nembutsu while thinking of our loved ones who have passed away.
As we approach the equinox, in addition to visiting your graves, if you have a Buddhist altar in your home, don't forget to clean it.
Your ancestors will surely be pleased if you offer flowers and other offerings such as rice balls to the cleaned grave or Buddhist altar.
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