Now you can watch live this year’s Hōonkō services broadcast from Higashi Honganji’s mother temple in Kyoto, Japan. See below for the schedule of services and speakers honoring Shinran Shonin, founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, beginning November 20th for one week. Continue reading “Watch: Hoonko Service in Kyoto”
Watch: New Abbot Succession Ceremony
A succession ceremony for new Abbot Chōyū Õtani will be held today at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Watch this historic event live at this link, or later on the Shinshu Ōtani-ha (Higashi Honganji) Youtube channel.
Conducting a Memorial—Online
By Rev. Patti Nakai
I’d like to describe my first experience conducting an online memorial service.
During this time of pandemic and social distancing, I’m writing about this so people know their temples and ministers will do what they can to ensure a proper service for loved ones who pass away or have important memorial date services. Continue reading “Conducting a Memorial—Online”
April 8: the Buddha’s Birthday
Today, April 8, is when we commemorate the Buddha’s birth. Typically we hold a special service called Hanamatsuri on this day, or a Sunday closest to this date. It’s usually our most festive service of the year. Unfortunately because of the Covid-19 pandemic, services have been cancelled or limited to online participation only. Continue reading “April 8: the Buddha’s Birthday”
Up Next: Year End Service
Don’t call it New Year’s Eve, call it “Joya-E,” our year-end observance. Continue reading “Up Next: Year End Service”