Haibun (2)

 

Haibun 

“Autumn Equinox Week, or お彼岸” 

by Hidenori Hiruta in Japan

 

September 26, 2025, is the last day of the seven-day period surrounding the autumnal equinox, including the three days before and after, which is known as the Autumn Equinox Week, or お彼岸ohigan. This is a unique Buddhist observance in Japan, a time to express gratitude and pay respects to one's ancestors.

In Buddhism, the world we live in is called "this world" (此岸sigan ), while the state of enlightenment is called "the other shore" (彼岸 higan). In Japan, the concept of associating the afterlife (the Pure Land) with the state of enlightenment (彼岸 higan) became widely accepted, leading to the understanding of お彼岸ohigan as a period for honoring and remembering our deceased ancestors.

 

       September 23 is the National Day in Japan, as well as the autumnal equinox, from an astronomical perspective. This is the day when the sun rises directly in the east and sets directly in the west, resulting in approximately equal day and night lengths. Because Buddhism believes that the Pure Land is located in the west, this day is considered the time of year when communication between this world and the other world (where our ancestors reside) is most easily possible. By performing ancestral rites during this period, people believe they can feel a stronger connection with their ancestors.

 

Here are what Buddhists do during this Autumn Equinox Week.

 

Visiting a grave site:

 

They clean the tombstone and the area around the grave, place fresh flowers or offerings, and then bow in respect.

 

Cleaning the Buddhist altar and offering food and drinks:

 

They clean the Buddhist altar and its surroundings, and place offerings such as fruits, sweets, or rice cakes.

 

To conduct a memorial service:

 

In some cases, a Buddhist priest may be invited to perform a Buddhist ritual at a temple or at the family's home.

 

Cultivating the principles of Buddhist teachings (the Six Perfections):

 

The Six Perfections are one of the practices in Buddhist teachings, referring to six principles that one should follow in order to attain enlightenment while living in this world.

 

お彼岸 ohigan is a good opportunity to express gratitude to our ancestors for preserving our lineage, and also to reflect on our own way of life. Perhaps this is a good time to pause and take a moment to reflect on your own life.

 

Here is a photo haiku during this Autumn Equinox Week.

  

鬼やんま草原越えて彼の岸へ

oni-yamma  sōgen o koe te  kano-kishi e

 

Jumbo dragonfly

flying across the grasses

to the Pure Land