Annual Events at Daijoji Temple

New Year Prayers and Daihanya Reading (Shushoe) – January

On New Year’s Day, the 600-volume Daihanya Sutra is read aloud to pray for world peace, national safety, and the fulfillment of the wishes of all who visit the temple during the year.

Nehan-e Dango Throwing – February

“Nehan” in Sanskrit means “Nirvana” or “to blow away troubles” and February 15th is the day of the Buddha’s death. After memorial services for Buddha, nirvana dumplings are distributed to visitors, which act as amulets for good health and protection from illness. At Daijoji, this is held on February 14th.

Higan-e – March, September　

“Higan” is a transcription of the Sanskrit word “paramita” meaning “to reach the other shore of enlightenment.” During the six days before and after the equinoxes, practitioners work to realize a world of salvation in this world of delusion by practicing the Six Perfections: generosity, morality, patience, effort, meditation, and wisdom.

Flower Festival (Birth Celebration) – April

April 8th is the Flower Festival, when Buddhists worldwide celebrate the birth of Buddha.

Urabon-e – July

Founder’s Memorial Day

Daijoji was founded in 1289 by Zen master Tettsu Gikai, the third head of Eiheiji Temple.
We hold memorial services to honor the memory of Tettsu Gikai. On this occasion, the relics of the three masters – Eiheiji founder Dogen, second head Koun Ejo, and Tettsu Gikai – normally enshrined in Kaisando Hall, are placed before the Buddha. These relics were discovered at historical sites in modern times.

Jodo-e

After six years of practice, Buddha meditated under the Bodhi tree and achieved enlightenment at dawn on December 8th, becoming a Buddha. In remembrance of this, Zen temples throughout Japan hold intensive meditation retreats called “sesshin” from December 1st to the morning of December 8th to renew their awareness and vows.