Mahayana New Year: Buddhists meditate, gather with family and friends

January 16, 2014 by Leave a Comment

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16: Most of world marked a Gregorian New Year just two weeks ago, but for Mahayana Buddhists, the New Year comes today: on the full moon day of January. Though customs and moon sightings vary by region, devotees in Mahayana countries—such as Tibet, Korea, Mongolia, China, Japan, Nepal, Vietnam and Indonesia—mark the New Year as a time of meditation.

Though Buddhism stresses the importance of frequent and even daily self-reflection, the New Year stands apart as celebrated with visits among family and friends and the release of old karma. In many regions, statues of Buddha are bathed in a sacred ceremony. Having cleaned their homes in preparation for the New Year, many homes host a feast of traditional foods and the exchange of well wishes.  A quieter, more solemn custom involves the printing of past sins onto slips of paper, then casting them into a fire in attempts to free oneself from the negative consequences of bad karma and to garner a fresh start.

Did you know? The Mahayana tradition began in India and claims 56 percent of Buddhist practitioners—the largest tradition within Buddhism today. Traditions within Mahayana include Zen, Chinese Chan, Pure Land, Tiantai, Nichiren and Vajrayana.

Bodhi Day, Rohatsu: Buddhists embrace Buddha’s enlightenment

December 08, 2013 by Leave a Comment

“How marvelous, I, the great earth, and all beings are naturally and simultaneously awakened.”
Buddha, upon seeing the first morning star during enlightenment

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8: It’s the season of light for several world religions—Nativity/Advent for Christians, Hanukkah for Jews, Yule for Pagans—and today, Mahayana Buddhists join the festivities by celebrating Buddha’s enlightenment on Bodhi Day (Rohatsu, in Zen Buddhism).

For some Buddhists, Bodhi spans the entire month; in Japanese Zen monasteries, Rohatsu incorporates a week-long sesshin, or meditation retreat, during which participants spend all waking time in intense meditation. For most lay Buddhists, however, Bodhi Day is spent contemplating the Dharma, dining on tea and cake and chanting Buddhist sutras. Families with children may string colored lights or bake cookies in the shape of the Bodhi tree’s leaf, celebrating their own traditions in the midst of the holiday season. (Find more ideas at Family Dharma.)

Note: Theravada Buddhist commemorate Buddha’s enlightenment on Vesak, a holiday that collectively celebrates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and passing into Nirvana.

The historical Buddha was born Siddhartha Guatauma in approximately the 6th century BCE (calculations vary by sect. Wikipedia has details). Born into a noble family, Siddhartha left wealth and luxury in his late 20s to seek the answer to the question: What is the root of suffering? Once he had seen the suffering of the commoners in his community, Siddhartha became determined to figure out why. He would go on to spend years in ascetic practice, retreating to the forests of India and Nepal for deep meditation. (Gain clarity in celebrating Bodhi Day in the 21st century in this article from the Huffington Post.)

Did you know? According to 2012 polls, approximately 14 percent of Asian Americans are Buddhist.

The details leading up to Siddhartha’s enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree vary by tradition: some believe that he made a vow to find the root of suffering, while others refer to temptations made by the god Mara (literally, Destroyer). Yet within the pages of the Pali Canon is a collection of discourses written by Buddha, describing the night of his enlightenment as occurring in three stages. (Get Buddhism fast facts at CNN.) During the first watch of the night, Siddhartha discovered the cycle of rebirth; in the second, he became aware of the Law of Karma; in the third, he understood the Four Noble Truths, and finally reached Nirvana. Upon enlightenment—at age 35—Siddhartha became a Buddha: “Awakened One,” or “Enlightened One.”

IN THE NEWS:
OLDEST BUDDHIST SHRINE UNCOVERED IN NEPAL

Archaeologists in Nepal recently discovered traces of a wooden structure beneath the Mayadevi temple in Lumbini—a structure believed to be the world’s oldest Buddhist shrine. (The Guardian reported.) Most intriguing to Buddhists is the fact that the structure has been scientifically dated to approximately the 6th century BCE—meaning that it could have been in existence when the historical Buddha was born at the temple site.

Interfaith Calendar: Religious and Cultural Observances 2024

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A Global Source for More than a Decade

Holidays & Festivals expert Stephanie Fenton is internationally known for her reporting on major holidays, festivals and milestones that shape community life around the world. There are many other calendars that claim to provide this information at the click of a link or an app, but Stephanie is the leading journalist focused every week of the year on actively reporting about these milestones. That’s important, because dates and times and even the names of these observances vary—as well as the meaning of these observances in various countries and cultures. In her columns, Stephanie explains the fascinating stories behind these events, advises readers on newsy updates—and always provides an array of links to learn more about everything from the history of the holiday to DIY holiday-related crafts and tasty traditional recipes.

It’s simple to find these columns. Just go to the master year-long calendar via InterfaithHolidays.com

Got a question? Perhaps you’re questioning one of the listed dates—or you wish we would list an observance that particularly interests you. Please, contact us at [email protected]

Holidays and Festivals January 2024

JANUARY is named for Janus, the Roman god associated with beginnings and transitions. The many month-long observances in various parts of the world include a special focus on Alzheimer’s disease (Canada) and on combatting human trafficking and slavery (U.S.). Over the past two decades in the U.S., January also has been designated National Mentoring Month.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is January 15 in 2024.

1—Mary, Mother of God (Catholic Christian)

1—Feast of St. Basil (Orthodox Christian)

1—Shogatsu/Gantan-sai (New Year) (Shinto)

5—Twelfth Night (Christian)

6—Epiphany (Christian, but observed in some denominations on the nearest Sunday.)

6—Theophany (Feast of the Epiphany) (Orthodox Christian)

6—Dia de los Reyes (Three Kings Day) (Christian)

7—Feast of the Nativity (Orthodox Christian, Julian calendar)

8—Baptism of the Lord (Christian)

13—Maghi Lohri (Sikh)

15—Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (U.S.)

15—Makar Sankranti / Pongal (Hindu)

16—National Religious Freedom Day (established by the Virginia General Assembly in 1993)

17—Jayanti (birthday) of Guru Gobindh Singh (Sikh)

18—Lunar Bodhi Day (Buddhism)

18—Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins (Christian)

20—Timkat (Ethiopian Orthodox Christian)

20—Sundown, World Religion Day (Baha’i)

24—Sundown, Tu B’Shvat (Jewish)

25—Conversion of St. Paul (Christian)

25—New Year (Buddhist, Mahayana)

27—International Day of Commemoration in Memory of Victims of the Holocaust (UN)

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Holidays and Festivals February 2024

FEBRUARY is another echo of ancient Rome, where februum meant “purification.” Among February’s month-long observances are Library Lovers Month and Black History Month in Canada and the U.S. (October in the UK).

For Western Christians, Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on February 14, 2024, so the big Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans will begin around Friday February 9. Eastern Orthodox Christians will begin the Fast of Lent in March.

1—Feast of St. Brighid of Kildare (Celtic Christian)

1—Imbolc (Lughnassadh) (Northern/Southern hemisphere) (Wicca, pagan)

2—Candlemas (Presentation of Christ in the Temple) (Christian)

2—Groundhog Day

3—Four Chaplains Day (Interfaith)

6—Sundown, Lailat al Miraj (Isra Mi’raj) (Islam)

10—Chinese New Year

11—Our Lady of Lourdes (Catholic Christian)

13—Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras) (Christian)

14—Ash Wednesday / Lent begins (Christian)

14—Vasant Panchami (Hindu)

14—St. Valentine’s Day (Christian, international holiday)

15—Parinirvana Day (Nirvana Day) (Buddhist, Jain)

19—Presidents’ Day (U.S.)

24—Magha Puja Day / Sangha Day (Buddhist)

24—Sundown, Lailat al Bara’ah (Mid-Sha’ban) (Islam)

25—Tridion begins (Orthodox Christian)

25—Sundown, Ayyam-i-Ha (Intercalary Days) begins (Baha’i)

29—Sundown, Nineteen-Day Fast begins (Baha’i)

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Holidays and Festivals March 2024

Most Muslims are expecting the fasting month of Ramadan to begin March 10 in 2024. Traditionally, the start of the fast depends on a sighting of the crescent moon.

MARCH‘s name recalls Mars, yet another Roman deity. This year, the moveable season of Lent begins in March for the majority of Christians around the world. Among March’s month-long observances are National Social Work Month and Women’s History Month, which includes International Women’s Day.

1—St. David of Wales (Christian)

8—Maha Shivaratri (Hindu)

10—Meatfare Sunday (Judgment Sunday) (Orthodox Christian)

10—Daylight Saving Time begins

10—Mothering Sunday (UK)

10—Sundown, Ramadan begins (Islam)

13—Birthday of L. Ron Hubbard (Scientology)

17—St. Patrick’s Day (Christian, international holiday)

St. Patrick’s Day is March 17.

17—Cheesefare Sunday (Forgiveness Sunday) (Orthodox Christian)

18—Clean Monday / Great Lent begins (Orthodox Christian)

19—St. Joseph’s Day (Christian)

19—Vernal (spring) equinox (Northern Hemisphere)

19—Ostara (Mabon) (Wicca, pagan) (Northern/Southern hemisphere)

19—Sundown, Naw-Ruz (Baha’i)

20—Nowruz (Zoroastrian)

21—International Day of Nowruz

21—Fast of Esther (Jewish) (Note: As the date of the Fast of Esther would fall on Shabbat in 2024, it is transferred to the preceding Thursday)

23—Sundown, Purim (Jewish)

24—Palm Sunday (Christian)

24—Lord’s Evening Meal (Jehovah’s Witness Christian)

24—Feast of Orthodoxy / Sunday of Orthodoxy / Orthodox Sunday (Orthodox Christian)

24—Holika Dahan (Hindu)

25—Holi (Hindu)

25—Hola Mohalla (Sikh)

26—Robert Frost Sesquicentennial

28—Maundy Thursday (Christian)

29—Good Friday (Christian)

30—Black (Holy) Saturday (Christian)

31—Easter (Christian)

31—Easter Sunday (Christian).

Holidays and Festivals April 2024

APRIL‘s origin is debated by scholars but its name may reflect aperire, which means “to open.” Among April’s month-long observances are Arab American Heritage Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Passover begins April 22, 2024.

1—Easter Monday (Christian)

5/6—Sundown, Lailat al-Qadr (27th night of Ramadan) (Islam)

8—Annunciation of the Lord (Christian)

(Note: In 2024, this is moved from March 25, since March 25 is the Monday of Holy Week)

9—Ugadi / Gudi Padwa (Hindu)

9—Sundown Ramadan ends (Islam)

10—Eid al-Fitr (Islam)

13—Baisakhi (Vaisakhi) (Sikh)

17—Swaminarayan Jayanti (Hindu)

17—Rama Navami (Hindu) (Note: Some Hindus begin reading the Ramayana nine days prior to the start of Rama Navami)

19/20—Sundown, First Day of Ridvan (Baha’i) (Note: Global sources currently vary on the timing of Ridvan 2024, with a one-day discrepancy. Stay tuned to our weekly online magazine for an update closer to the season)

21—Baisakhi (Vaisakhi) (Sikh)

22—Fast of the Firstborn (Jewish)

22—Sundown, Pesach (Passover) begins (Jewish)

22—Earth Day

23—Hanuman Jayanti (Hindu)

24—New Year (Buddhist, Theravada)

27—Lazarus Saturday (Orthodox Christian)

28—Palm Sunday (Orthodox Christian)

27/28—Sundown, Ninth Day of Ridvan (Baha’i) (Note: Global sources currently vary on the timing of Ridvan 2024, with a one-day discrepancy. Stay tuned to our weekly online magazine for an update closer to the season)

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Holidays and Festivals May 2024

MAY‘s name also comes from an ancient deity, in this case associated with fertility. Among May’s month-long observances are special devotions to Mary in Catholic communities, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month and Military Appreciation Month.

If you see a bonfire in a Jewish community this month, it may be a community commemoration of Lag B’Omer.

1—Beltane (Samhain) (Wicca, pagan) (Northern/Southern hemisphere)

30/1—Sundown, Twelfth Day of Ridvan (Baha’i) (Note: Global sources currently vary on the timing of Ridvan 2024, with a one-day discrepancy. Stay tuned to our weekly online magazine for an update closer to the season)

2—National Day of Prayer (U.S.)

3—Holy Friday (Orthodox Christian)

4—Holy Saturday (Orthodox Christian)

5—Great and Holy Pascha (Easter) (Orthodox Christian)

5—Cinco de Mayo

5—Sundown, Yom HaShoah (Jewish)

9—Ascension of the Lord (Ascension of Jesus) (Christian)

(Note: Observed in some denominations on nearest Sunday, May 12, in 2024)

10—Akshaya Tritiya (Hindu, Jain)

12—Mother’s Day (U.S.)

12—Sundown, Yom HaZikaron (Jewish)

13—Sundown, Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Jewish)

19—Pentecost Sunday (Christian)

20—Whit Monday (Christian)

22—Sundown, Declaration of the Bab (Baha’i)

23—Vesak (Buddha Day) (Buddhist)

(Note: Observance dates vary)

25—Sundown, Lag B’Omer (Jewish)

26—Trinity Sunday (Christian)

27—Memorial Day (U.S.)

27—Sundown, Ascension of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i)

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Holidays and Festivals June 2023

JUNE brings a wide range of festivals and summer-themed observances in communities around the Northern Hemisphere. In the U.S., Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall Riots in June 1969 and the birth of the gay-rights movement.

June brings the feast of St. Columba, who established a Christian community on Iona island off the northwest coast of Scotland. To this day, pilgrims consider Iona holy and continue to travel to the tiny island.

2—Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) (Catholic Christian)

7—Sacred Heart of Jesus (Catholic Christian)

9—St. Columba of Iona (Christian)

11—Sundown, Shavuot (Jewish)

13—Holy Ascension / Feast of the Ascension (Orthodox Christian)

14—Flag Day (U.S.)

14—Sundown, Hajj begins (Islam)

15—Sundown, Waqf al Arafa (Day of Arafat) (Islam)

16—Father’s Day (U.S.)

16—Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib (Sikh)

16—Sundown, Eid al-Adha (Islam)

19—New Church Day (Swedenborgian Christian)

19—Juneteenth

20—Summer solstice (Northern Hemisphere)

21—Litha (Yule) (Wicca, pagan) (Northern/Southern hemisphere); Midsummer

23—Pentecost (Orthodox Christian)

24—St. John the Baptist (Christian)

29—Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul (Christian)

30—The Sunday of All Saints (Orthodox Christian)

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Holidays and Festivals July 2023

JULY‘s name honors Julius Caesar, who was born in this month. More summer-time festivals are sprinkled around the Northern Hemisphere, including National Hog Dog Month and National Ice Cream Month in the U.S. That’s appropriate since this is the month of American Independence Day.

“Wagons, ho!” If you’re planning to visit Utah this year, don’t miss the festivities leading up to Pioneer Day.

4—Independence Day (U.S.)

7—Sundown, Hijri (New Year) (Islam)

8—Sundown, Martyrdom of the Bab (Baha’i)

15—Obon (Ullambana) (Buddhist) (Note: This observance is Shichigatsu Bon; Hachigatsu Bon / Kyu Bon, or “Old Bon,” commences in August)

16—Sundown, Ashura (Islam)

20/21—Asalha Puja Day (Dharma Day) (Buddhist)

23—Birthday of Haile Selassie (Rastafari)

23—Fast of Tammuz 17; The Three Weeks begins (Jewish)

24—Pioneer Day (Mormon)

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Holidays and Festivals August 2023

AUGUST was named after another Roman emperor, Augustus. Among the month-long observances are Happiness Happens (no kidding!) and National Immunization Awareness Month, which is promoted by the CDC in the U.S.

The festival of Obon (or simply “Bon”) is marked at various times around the world, sometimes depending in the U.S. on a convenient date for a local community to come together. Whenever Obon is observed, you are likely to see candle-lit lanterns.

1—Lammas (Christian)

1—Lughnassadh (Imbolc) (Wicca, pagan) (Northern/Southern hemisphere)

1—Dormition Fast (Orthodox Christian)

6—Feast of the Transfiguration, Transfiguration of the Lord (Catholic Christian, Anglican Christian, Orthodox Christian)

12—Sundown, Tisha B’Av (Jewish)

13—Obon (Ullambana) (Buddhist) (See note in July Obon entry) (Note: This date may differ among regions of Japan. Obon in Okinawa will fall on August 28-30 in 2024)

15—Dormition of the Theotokos (Orthodox Christian)

15—Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Christian)

18—Sundown, Tu B’Av (Jewish)

19—Raksha Bandhan (Hindu)

26—Krishna Janmashtami (Hindu)

31—Paryushan Parvarambha begins (Jain)

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Holidays and Festivals September 2023

SEPTEMBER‘s name is a remnant of the fact that Romans once had 10 months and this was the seventh, hence “sept.” A whole series of cancer-awareness observances have been clustered in September, including special efforts to highlight childhood cancers, gynecologic cancers, leukemia, lymphoma, ovarian cancer and thyroid cancer.

Ganesh is one of the most popular expression of the divine in Indian culture.

1—Ecclesiastical New Year (Orthodox Christian)

2—Labor Day (U.S.)

7—Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu)

7/8—Samvatsari Parva begins (Jain)

8—Nativity of the Virgin Mary/Theotokos (Christian)

11—Patriot Day (U.S.)

11—Enkutatasch (Ethiopian New Year) (Rastafari, Ethiopian Orthodox)

15—Sundown, Mawlid an-Nabi (Islam)

22—Mabon (Imbolc) (Wicca, pagan) (Northern/Southern hemisphere)

22—Autumnal (fall) equinox (Northern Hemisphere)

27—Meskel (Ethiopian Eritrean Orthodox Christian)

29—Michael and All Angels (Michaelmas) (Christian)

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Holidays and Festivals October 2023

OCTOBER retains its old reference to this being the eighth month in the old Roman system, thus “oct.” One of the biggest cancer-awareness campaigns—Breast Cancer Awareness Month—takes place each October. This also is National Bullying Prevention Month.

The Jewish High Holidays are in October in 2024.

2—Sundown, Rosh Hashanah (Jewish)

3—Navaratri (Hindu)

4—St. Francis Day (Blessing of the Animals) (Catholic Christian)

11—Sundown, Yom Kippur (Jewish)

12—Daesara, Dussehra (Hindu)

14—Columbus Day (U.S.)

14—Indigenous Peoples Day

14—Thanksgiving (Canada)

16—Sundown, Sukkot (Jewish)

18—St. Luke, Apostle and Evangelist (Christian)

23—Sundown, Shemini Atzeret (Jewish)

24—Sundown, Simchat Torah (Jewish)

31—Reformation Day (Protestant Christian)

31—All Hallows Eve (Christian)

31—Samhain (Wicca, pagan)

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Holidays and Festivals November 2023

NOVEMBER was named for novem or “ninth,” continuing the ancient Roman custom of numbering months. This is Native American History Month, We’ve got books: Dancing My Dream as well as The Flavors of Faith, among others. November also is National Family Caregivers Month and National Hospice Month.

Americans know that November means Thanksgiving—but did you know that Canadian’s celebrate the holiday in October?

1—All Saints (Christian)

1—Diwali (Deepavali) (Hindu, Jain, Sikh)

1—Sundown, Birth of the Bab (Baha’i)

2—All Souls’ Day (Catholic Christian)

2—Sundown, Birth of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i)

3—Daylight Saving Time ends

11—Veterans Day (U.S.)

15—Nativity Fast begins (Orthodox Christian)

24—Christ the King (Christian)

24—Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib (Sikh)

24—Sundown, Day of the Covenant (Baha’i)

26—Sundown, Ascension of Abdu’l-Baha (Baha’i)

28—Thanksgiving (U.S.)

30—St. Andrew’s Day (Christian)

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Holidays and Festivals December 2023

DECEMBER, with dec for “ten,” wraps up the old Roman system of numbering months.

Everyone knows December brings Christmas, but millions of Catholics around the world also anticipate this month for the annual Feast or Our Lady of Guadalupe.

1—First Sunday of Advent (Advent begins) (Christian)

6—St. Nicholas Day (Christian)

8—Bodhi Day (Rohatsu) (Buddhism)

9—Immaculate Conception of Mary (Catholic Christian) (Note: This Solemnity is moved from December 8 in 2024, as December 8 is the Second Sunday of Advent)

12—Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Catholic Christian)

16—Posadas Navidenas begins (Hispanic Christian)

21—Yule (Christian, Wicca, pagan)

21—Winter solstice (Northern Hemisphere)

25—Christmas (Nativity) (Christian)

25—Feast of the Nativity (Orthodox Christian)

25—Sundown, Hanukkah (Chanukah) begins (Jewish)

26—Kwanzaa begins

26—Feast of St. Stephen, the First Martyr (Christian)

28—Holy Innocents (Christian)

29—Feast of the Holy Family (Catholic Christian)

31—Watch Night (Christian)

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NOTE TO READERS

We continue to update this list, month by month. As you read the list, you may discover we have missed a fascinating observance or detail. If so, please email us at [email protected].

Asalha Puja: Seek the Dhamma; take cover for a Theravada rains retreat

July 20, 2013 by Leave a Comment

MONDAY, JULY 22: Monsoon season is looming and Theravada Buddhists are preparing to head indoors, but first, they celebrate Dhamma Day. Today is Asalha Puja, the anniversary of Buddha’s first public sermon. One of the most sacred festivals in Buddhism, Asalha Puja commemorates the day Buddha “set into motion the wheel of the dhamma” with his first public teaching. (Wikipedia has details.) The Great Discourse on the End of the Ultimate was delivered to five ascetics at Deer Park, in India, containing basic concepts that would be expanded upon in all future sermons. Following this first sermon, Buddha accepted his first disciple.

FROM THE BODHI TO DEER PARK

After having reached Enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree, Buddha questioned whether anyone would understand what he had learned. Five ascetics came to mind that might benefit, and Buddha made his way to Deer Park to deliver a sermon to them. On that full moon day of the eighth lunar month, Buddha spoke to the ascetics of the Middle Path and the Four Noble Truths, explaining that neither extreme self-indulgence nor self-mortification was the way to Nirvana. The theory of Four Noble Truths explained that there is suffering; there are causes of suffering, including craving; suffering can be overcome when craving is mastered; and the path leading to the cessation of suffering—and Nirvana—is the Eightfold Path.

Monks and nuns will remain indoors for three months starting July 23 this year, spending the rainy season in the temple as did Buddha and his nomadic disciples. (Learn more from the Ministry of Culture, Thailand.) Yet the day before “Buddhist Lent” commences, adherents make offerings to temples and gather to hear readings from Buddhist scriptures. Sermons are delivered in temples, and devotees clean their homes. The Buddhist flag is hoisted high.

IN THE NEWS: BANGKOK’S WEEK OF FESTIVITIES
& THE WORLD’S LARGEST RESCUE DIG

Asalha Puja is a government holiday in Thailand, but that’s just the halt of a joyous festival that began a week ago, on July 16. In the days leading up to Asalha Puja, Bangkok residents have attended candle molding ceremonies and mass prayer sessions; outside of Bangkok, robe offering ceremonies and meditation sessions were commonplace. (Thai News has the story.) All festivities were conducted in hopes that Buddhists would focus on the Dhamma, or truths taught by Buddha, during these special days.

The largest rescue dig in the world is commencing at Mes Anyak, an ancient Buddhist settlement near Kabul, in Afghanistan. The race is on to excavate the collection of monasteries, statues, frescoes and architectural treasures before a Chinese mining company destroys the area, several news sources have recently reported. China attests that the area may hold up to $100 million worth of copper; geologists report the city was a major Buddhist settlement and part of the ancient Silk Road. With time of the essence, archaeologists from around the globe are working at a frenzied pace to uncover what they can, using everything from ground penetrating radar and georectified photography to pickaxes to uncover the remains. It’s unclear whether any digging will be permitted after summer is over.

Obon: Buddhists, Japanese culture embrace ancestors and Bon dances

July 15, 2013 by Leave a Comment

MONDAY, JULY 15-SUNDAY, AUGUST 18: It’s Obon season! From China to Japan to Hawai’i and in Buddhist communities worldwide, temples are adorned with hundreds of paper lanterns; devotees honor the spirits of deceased ancestors; the Bon-Odori dance invites participants of every age; flavorful chicken teriyaki, steaming bowls of udon and juicy watermelon slices are the common fare.

The festival of Obon lasts just three days, but when the lunar calendar was changed to the Gregorian at the beginning of the Meiji area, localities reacted differently—and now, different regions mark Obon at widely varying times between mid-July and mid-August. (Wikipedia has details.)

Obon is a shortened version of the term Ullambana, which, in Buddhism, indicates great suffering. By praying for ancestors’ spirits, it’s believed that their suffering can be lessened; the Bon-Odori dance is a joyful recognition of the alleviation of suffering.

IT ALL BEGAN WITH: THE STORY OF BON ODORI

Japanese culture has embraced Obon for more than 500 years, but the story of Bon Odori begins much earlier, with a disciple of Buddha. According to legend, this disciple possessed supernatural powers that he used to look upon his deceased mother. The disciple saw that his mother had fallen into the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, and was suffering there. Deeply bothered, the disciple approached Buddha and asked how he might free his mother’s soul from the realm. Buddha instructed the monk to make offerings to Buddhist monks who had just completed their summer retreat, and when the monk did this, he saw his mother’s release. In joy, he also began to see his mother’s past unselfishness and the numerous sacrifices she had made for him. Now overjoyed, the monk danced the first “Bon Odori” dance. (The Shingon Buddhist International Institute has more.) Centuries later, adherents continue to recognize the sacrifices and goodness of their ancestors during the festival of Obon.

OBON: COTTON KIMONOS, DANCING, LANTERNS, FIREWORKS

Legend has it that the monk of Bon Odori called upon Buddha in the seventh lunar month, and as such, Obon has always been a summer festival. (Interested in a short documentary of a Japanese observation of Obon? Check out this one on YouTube.)

Lightweight, cotton kimonos are commonly worn by dancers and festival attendees, with carnivals in some areas and a mix of summer and traditional foods. Bon dances are as different as the regions that perform them, with some using accessories like fans or towels and others imitating the area’s history. (This press story interviews a 77-year-old woman who has been dancing traditionally since age 4.) Modern Bon dance music can be written to the beat of well-known songs or kids’ tunes, and often, steps are intentionally simple so that everyone can participate.

Lanterns are hung on the front of houses throughout Obon to guide ancestors’ spirits home, and on the last day of Obon, the paper lanterns are illuminated with a candle and floated down a river or body of water to symbolize the ancestral spirits’ return to the world of the deceased. (Make your own lanterns and teach kids about Obon with help from Circle Time Kids and In Culture Parent.) A grand fireworks display ends the ceremonies.

OBON SEASON: YOU SAY JULY; I SAY AUGUST

Though Obon is not a national holiday, many Japanese citizens take vacations during this time and return home for family reunions. (Get the scoop for 2013 in Japan at Japan-Guide.) Calendar interpretations vary widely, placing Obon in mid-July in Tokyo, in mid-August in China, and varying in other regions of Japan, such as Okinawa.

Outside of Japan, dates also vary in Brazil, which houses the largest Japanese population outside of Japan. Hawai’i follows suit, where Japanese-American events are prominent. (In San Jose, Japantown provides food and entertainment in mid-July; the Kauai Museum in Hawai’i is currently running a “Buddhist Temples of Hawaii” exhibit; in Ontario, a press story covers the deep-rooted history of its Buddhist temple.) Street festivals stocked with Japanese culture, art and cuisine are also popular during Obon season.

 

‘Cakes & Prayers’: 60th anniversary for Mount Everest, Queen Elizabeth II and a unique interfaith celebration

May 29, 2013 by Leave a Comment

WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, and SUNDAY, JUNE 2: The New York Times captured the spirit 60 years ago in its headline: “CAKES and PRAYERS.” The Times staff was scrambling to assemble scattered information on the first successful human ascent of the world’s highest mountain. The Times story described New Zealand beekeeper Edmund Hillary and Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay as eating mint cake and offering prayers at the summit. It was a moment of “reverence and gratitude,” the Times reported, as “each man prayed in his fashion.” Hillary (1919-2008) was Christian; Norgay (1914-1986) was a devout Buddhist.

Around the world, the British Commonwealth still was recovering from World War II. The startling news of a human conquest of Everest’s deadly height snowballed into coverage of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Newspapers reported that the first news-flash to reach London of the Hillary-Norgay success was delivered personally to Elizabeth on the eve of her big own big event. Reporters described the Everest accomplishment as a coronation gift for the new queen.

These landmark anniversaries will be jointly commemorated this year when Hillary’s son, Peter, and Norgay’s son, Jamling, join Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Geographical Society in London.

MOUNT EVEREST:
STATS, FACTS AND
A CHANGING LANDSCAPE

‘THE SUMMITS OF MODERN MAN’
In the months approaching the 60th anniversary of the first ascent of Mt. Everest, climbers of every age and ethnicity have been heading to the mountain to break more records. In a book released in tandem with the anniversary, humanities professor Peter Hansen points out that human fascination with Everest is a powerful metaphor for our changing relationship with the environment. The book is titled The Summits of Modern Man: Mountaineering after the Enlightenment.Hansen argues that mountain peaks were viewed with awe and reverence throughout most of human history. Only with the Age of Enlightenment did popular culture shift toward “defeating” these massive works of nature.

MT. EVEREST RECORDS:
OLDEST, YOUNGEST & EVERYONE IN BETWEEN
We know you’re wondering: What are the latest stats for Mt. Everest climbs? Upward of 3,000 people have scaled the world’s tallest mountain since Hillary and Norgay—with more than 200 perishing in the attempt—but recently, more mountaineers than ever have been attempting to break records. Here’s the official list:

    • Oldest: Japanese climber and extreme skier Yuichiro Miura scaled Everest at age 80, just a couple of weeks ago—his third ascent of Everest since his 70th birthday.
    • Youngest: American Jordan Romero took on Everest at age 13 in May 2010.
    • Most frequent: Nepalese native Apa Sherpa has reached Mt. Everest’s top a record 21 times. “Super Sherpa” made his 21st climb in May 2011. Sherpa also is a global hero because of his work with the Eco Everest Expedition, the team that has brought down more than 12 tons of other climbers’ garbage over the past three years.
    • More 2013 firsts: Arunima Sinha became the first woman to climb Mt. Everest with prosthetic legs; meanwhile, Raha Moharrak became the first Saudi woman to top Everest, making a dent in the conservative Saudi view of women’s roles. Nepalese climber Chhurim (who, like most Sherpas, goes by just one name) became the first female to summit Everest twice in one season.

CHANGING FACE OF THE WORLD’S TALLEST MOUNTAIN
As pointed out by both scientists and Norgay’s grandson, Everest celebrations should also recall the crucial need to preserve the Himalayas. Tons of garbage has collected on the mountain from climbers through the years. The mountain’s runoff waters are vital to a large region during the dry season, so decomposing refuse can spell catastrophe for tens of thousands. Global warming is melting snow and ice atop the Himalayas at an increasing rate, causing glaciers to disappear faster every year. (The Guardian reports.)  After a 13 percent overall glacier shrinkage since Hillary and Norgay took to the peak—the climb is quite different now than it was 60 years ago.

CORONATION OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II:
A STORYBOOK MOMENT JUNE 2, 1953

Events surrounding the coronation went on for weeks and news stories popped up around the world day after day. In the era after World War II—but decades before the Internet—a “live television” broadcast from an unfolding news event was rare and exciting. The BBC network had been a pioneer in this technology and first broadcast a live TV show in 1929! But live on-the-scene news events were unknown until after World War II. In 1953, the crowning of Elizabeth was the first coronation ever broadcast live. (Watch a portion of that original broadcast on YouTube.)

On that day, 27-year-old Elizabeth rode the Gold State Coach through the streets of London, leaving Buckingham Palace to arrive at Westminster Abbey. Approximately 3 million spectators had been lining the streets overnight to catch a glimpse of Elizabeth, and more than 200 microphones had been stationed along the procession route. Foreign royalty and heads of state rode in a seemingly endless parade of carriages, as 750 commentators broadcast the events in 39 languages. (Learn 50 facts about the Queen’s Coronation from the official website of the British Monarchy.)

Despite objection by Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Elizabeth had previously asked that her entire coronation be filmed by television cameras—with the exceptions of being anointed and taking communion. Before 8,000 live spectators and millions of television viewers, Elizabeth swore an oath to uphold the laws of her nations and to govern the Church of England. As Elizabeth left Westminster Abbey that day, guests sang out, “God Save the Queen.”

CELEBRATING THE MILESTONES TODAY

Sixty years isn’t the same as a 50-year or centennial milestone, so anniversary events vary widely. Most are regional in nature. Check news sources in your part of the world for events marking these 60th anniversaries. Many public television stations across the U.S. will be airing a three-part series on the life of Queen Elizabeth II called The Diamond Queen; some also will air a portion of the 1953 TV coverage of Elizabeth’s coronation. But, check your local TV guide for details and these programs will not air everywhere.

Popular media is buzzing over the royal baby’s due date of July 13—right in the middle of Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation Festival. British newspaper also are reporting on the more serious role that the queen has played in recent history. The more conservative Telegraph newspaper headlined one story: “Only the Queen has Been Our Constant,” commenting on her loyal status through the ever-changing demands of the last six decades. The Telegraph also notes, in a separate story, that the next royal coronation will break longstanding tradition by making a place for people of faith outside of Christianity.

VESAK: Give and live by the Dharma on Buddha’s birthday

May 25, 2013 by Leave a Comment

SATURDAY, MAY 25: The word Dharma resounds around the world this week, as Buddhists, monks, non-Buddhists and international UN offices pause to observe Vesak. A Buddhist observance, Vesak recalls a trio of events: the birth, enlightenment and death of Guatama Buddha. Per the request of Buddha himself, devotees focus especially on carrying out the Buddha’s teachings by living kindly, giving generously and abiding by the Dharma (or Dhamma, spellings vary). In India—the birthplace of Buddhism—Vesak is observed today, as it is in Nepal and Indonesia; some countries commemorated Vesak yesterday, and still others will observe Vesak Week through Monday. Specific dates are determined by various lunar calendars.

Despite varying dates, Vesak celebrations across the globe begin the same way: with adherents gathered at their local temple, before sunrise, to watch the ceremonial hoisting of the Buddhist flag. Hymns of praise rise through the air, as attendees line up to offer flowers, candles and food. (Wikipedia has details.) A shared vegetarian meal with follow, but it’s in the flowers and candles that devotees understand the truth of Vesak: that life, as with all things, will wither away and decay. All that is eternal is the Dharma truth.

The World Fellowship of Buddhists tried to formalize the celebration of Vesak as Buddha’s birthday in 1950, although festivals of a similar fashion had been custom for centuries. Aside from parallel morning ceremonies, Vesak festivities vary around the world: In Sri Lanka, two days are set aside for Vesak and liquor shops, slaughter houses and casinos are closed; in Japan, a sweet Hydrangea tea is poured over statues. Nepalis can claim Lumbini as the birthplace of Buddha, and their holy temple—Swayambhu—is opened only one day per year, on Vesak. Since Vesak is a public holiday in Nepal, even non-Buddhists get into the spirit by donating and volunteering on this special day. Processions line the streets in many countries during daylight hours, while colorful lanterns light the skies at night. In 1999, the United Nations resolved to internationally observe Vesak at its headquarters and offices.

The government of Sri Lanka has selected “Live by the Dharma” as the theme for Vesak 2013.