Yearly Calendar of Celebrations
Special days of influence for members of the Blue Lotus Assembly, based on ancient traditions of Japanese Tendai and Tibetan Sakya orders
December 31 - January 6
Shusho Kai New Year’s Accession
Begun in the Kamakura era, a 7-day blessing ceremony for peace and security closes the year, dispersing the effects of negative events that have happened, and empowering positive resolutions for the New Year
January 7
Celebration of the founding of the Kasumi-An on the first day of the Heisei era, January 7, 1989, anniversary of the death of Showa Tenno Emperor Hirohito and assumption of the Chrysanthemum Throne by Heisei Tenno Emperor Akihito
January 14
Kaho Kai Fragrant Lotus Blessing
This ritual pays homage to the passing of Ennin, or Jikaku Daishi, who became 4th Tendai Zasu on January 10th, 862 . Ennin is famous for his years of study in China which allowed the Tendai order to adopt a wide range of esoteric ritual meditation practices. Kaho is the name of the valley in which he was buried.
January 26
Kaishu Kinen Hoyo Memorial Service for the Opening of the Tendai Sect
On January 26th, 806 , the Tendai Sect was formally established in Japan
February 3
Setsubun Kai First Day of Spring Service
Setsubun-sai, commonly known as O-mame-maki (bean throwing festival) is celebrated on the day dividing winter and spring according to the old lunar calendar. The literal meaning of Setsubun is "season division," coming at the end of "Kan" coldest season, which lasts 30 days. The ceremony begins with ritual purification, offerings and vows of gratitude led by the head of the dojo, followed by the offering of the sacred dance and the branches of sacred evergreen. Then participants move outside and the senior instructors shoot 3 hama -ya misfortune dispelling arrows to purify past/present/future. Everyone then throws daizu soybeans while shouting "Oni wa soto, Fuku wa uchi! " (Bad luck out, Good luck in).
February 15
Nehan Kai Anniversary of the Buddha`s Paranirvana Passing Away
Remembrance of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni`s teaching and passing away; nehan is Japanese for nirvana, and signifies seeing through the all delusions as to the true nature of life
Lo-Sar Tibetan New Year
Second New Moon of the solar calendar
March 2~
Higan E Spring Vernal Equinox Service
Day of equal light & dark, point from which daylight is longer than night as summer approaches. Ceremony to banish negativity, held for the 7 days leading to the Spring Equinox
April 8
Kanbutsu Kai Shakyamuni Buddha Birthday Service
Also called Hana Matsuri Flower Festival, the ceremony celebrates the birth of the historical Buddha
May 5
Kodomo no Hi Children’s Day
June 2~
Summer Solstice First day of summer
Day of longest light, point from which days grow shorter as autumn and winter approach
July 6
Birthday of Tenzin Gyatso, HH 14th Dalai Lama (1935)
July 15 (or August 15, depending on region of Japan )
Urabon Kai Oblation to the Three Treasures and assisting the Hungry Ghosts
The Obon Ritual celebrates the Three Treasures of Buddhism in the hopes of saving the hungry ghost spirits. Originally, this was a ceremony of offering food to Buddhist monks following the completion of the rainy season retreat. Ullambana (Uraobon in Sanskrit) means "hanging upside down", signifying that hungry spirits are as lost in spiritual pain as if hung upside down.
Segaki Kai Feeding of the Hungry Ghosts
The Segaki rite feeds the wandering hungry ghosts (or deceased spirits) who revolve within the Three Worlds, attempting to shine the Holy Light of the Dharma upon their lost paths
August 18
Shuso Gotan E (Celebration of the birth of Tendai Sect Founder)
Ritual celebrating of the birth of Tendai Sect Founder, Dengyo Daishi, said to have been born near the present Shogen-ji Temple in Otsu City , Shiga Prefecture
September 7
Birthday of Nawang Kunga, HH 41st Sakya Trizin, head of the Sakya order (1945)
September 9
Birthday of Stephen Kinryu-Jien Hayes, founder Blue Lotus Assembly (1949)
September 2~
Higan E Fall Autumnal Equinox Service
Day of equal light & dark, point from which night is longer than day as winter approaches. Ceremony to banish negativity, held for the 7 days leading to the Autumn Equinox
November 15
Hichi-go-san “Seven-five-three”
"Seven-five-three-festival" is held on the closest Saturday to November 15. It is an important life-cycle-event in which girls of 3 and 7 and boys of 3 and 5 dress in their best clothes or martial arts do-gi and visit the dojo with their parents. The children take part in a ceremony expressing gratitude for life's blessings and requesting future protection and good fortune.
November 24
Shimo-tsuki E November Ritual
Tendai celebration gathering honoring the passing away of Chih-i (538-597), founder of Chinese T'ien-t'ai. Dengyo Daishi, founder of Japanese Tendai, initiated a special service known as Hokke Juko on Mt. Hie in 798 in gratitude and reverence to the historical founder.
December 8, 2002 Sunday
Jodo E Celebration of the Attainment of Buddhahood
Ritual honoring the enlightenment attained by the historical Buddha Shakyamuni 2500 years ago
December 2~
Winter Solstice First day of winter
Day of longest darkness, point from which days grow longer as spring and summer approach
