We would like to invite everyone to join us in our Autumn Higan Service, one of the Merit Transfer Service held at Shinnyo-en to transfer our positive merits/energy to our love ones and those who departed before us.
This traditional ritual held on the equinox is called “higan” in Japanese Buddhism, coming from the Sanskrit word paramita, which means “crossing over to the other shore.” The “other shore” refers to a complete state of awakening, a realm or state of mind of true happiness, or nirvana. At Shinnyo-en, we conduct this with the wish to transfer the merit (positive energy) that we create walking on the Shinnyo Path to all those who came before us—including our loved ones and those who died in conflicts and natural disasters.
Although the ceremony is held for those who have passed on, it also benefits us who live in the present, as well as all in the future to whom we are linked. The deep meaning of this ceremony lies in sharing the power that comes from the wisdom and loving compassion of awakening. The force of our efforts extends beyond the boundaries of time and space in all directions, so that both we and the various souls we remember can cross over to the shore of happiness together.
Date: 23/09/2018 to 23/09/2018
Time: 02:00 PM to 03:00 PM