Annual Services & Events - open to public -
Please see Photo Gallery for the pictures of these services and events.
January:一月
SHUSHO-E (The New Year's Ceremony) 修正会
- Buddhists go to their temples on the first day of the year to express their appreciation for their good luck in being able to welcome in the new year and to pray for safety, peace and good health for the coming year. Shusho-e is the service held on the first day of January. You will also enjoy Osechi Ryori (Special new year's food) to be served after Shusho-e.
February:二月
SETSUBUN-E 節分会
- This service is related to the last day of the year in the old lunar calendar, usually falling around February 2 or 3 of the present calendar. At the temple we will have the festive ceremony of 'bean throwing' (mamemaki) at the beginning of February every year. The dried roasted soy beans are thrown to bring in good fortune and drive
away evil spirits. Toshi-Otoko, Toshi-Onna, people born under the zodiac sign of the year (12, 24. 36. 48. 60. 72, 84, 96, etc, year old) are selected as bean throwers and the crowd of people try to catch the thrown beans which are said to bring good fortune. To be the bean-thrower of the year, please call the temple. You will be wearing Kamishimo.
NEHAN-E (The Buddha's Nirvana Day) 涅槃会
- February 15th is the day of Nehan or Parinirvana on which Gautama Buddha passed away from this world 2500 years ago after 80 years of untiring service of infinite compassion for humanity. This is a memorable event for all Buddhists in the world just as Christians celebrate Easter.
March:三月
HIGAN-E 彼岸会
- O-Higan is observed twice a year, once in the spring and again in the autumn; it is said - literally speaking - to cross over from this shore of illusion (Shigan) to the other shore of Nirvana (Higan). To do this , we should practice the six spiritual perfections or virtues: Charity of Alms-giving, Morality of Precept-observation, Patience or Humanity, Vigor or Fortitude, Meditation or Concentration, and Wisdom.
April:四月
HANAMATSURI (Celebration of Buddha's Birthday) 花祭り
- Hanamatsuri in Japan was first observed in the 14th year of Empress Suiko's reign, 1300 years ago, and has come to be held widely all over Japan. On April 8th, the image of the infant Buddha is placed in a Hana-mido (a little shrine beautifully decorated with flowers) and Amacha (sweet tea) is poured over it. When Shakamuni Buddha was born, sweet rain came down from the Heavens, and to symbolize this, we pour Amacha (sweet tea) over the image of the Buddha.
July:七月
O-BON-MATSURI お盆祭り
- The word "Bon" originates from the Sanskrit word "Ullambana". It means "being hung upside down" which symbolizes the suffering of mankind. The O-bon service is to help liberate mankind from this suffering. Obon-Matsuri is the biggest event of the year at Zenshuji where many people, families and friends get together and enjoy the service, stage performances and delicious food.
August:八月
JIZO-BON 地蔵盆
- If you walk in the country in Japan, you will see Ojizo-sama statue with red tams and bibs here and there by the roadside. Althoutgh he is the Bodhisattva who saves all sentient beings with his great compassion, Ojizo-sama is specially thought to protect children. Jizo-bon Service is held in August every year at Zenshuji in front of the Ojizosama statues.
September:九月
HIGAN-E 彼岸会
- O-Higan is observed twice a year, once in the spring and again in the autumn; it is said - literally speaking - to cross over from this shore of illusion (Shigan) to the other shore of Nirvana (Higan). To do this , we should practice the six spiritual perfections or virtues: Charity of Alms-giving, Morality of Precept-observation, Patience or Humanity, Vigor or Fortitude, Meditation or Concentration, and Wisdom.
OTAKIAGE (Burning Ceremony) お焚き上げ
- A service to burn precious items that you are trying to find a proper way to toss out such as completed Darumas, old O-fuda, photos, letters, dolls and so on. We have this service at Huntington State Beach followed by a potluck lunch at the beach.
October:十月
EITAIKYO (Perpetual Memorial Service) 永代経
- At the request of the bereaved family, the urn may be kept at the church. The Kaimyo (Posthumous name) of the deceased is kept on file in special church records so that a memorial service can be held for the deceased even though the family may move away or die.
HOSHO-E 放生会
- Service of compassion on all living beings. Following the service, we travel to Rose Hills Cemetery to release live fish back to one of their ponds, natural habitat.
November:十一月
CHASEN-KUYO 茶筅供養
- Service for retired Chasen (Bamboo Tea whisk). Tea Ceremony combined with a beautiful Vegetarian luncheon. For tickets, please call the temple.
SHICHI-GO-SAN 七五三
- Celebrating and blessing the health and well being of 3 and 7 year old girls and 5 year old boys. Chitose-ame and a gift will be provided for those who participate. For reservation, please call the temple by one week before the service.
December:十二月
ROHATSU-SESSHIN 臘八摂心
- Annual one week-long zazen sesshin (intensive retreat). Sitting usually starts from 6:30 o’clock in the morning and goes throughout the day until 8 o’clock in the evening. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served. The sesshin culminates on the last day, when we sit until midnight and have a short service in the Main Hall.
JODO-E (The Buddha's Enlightenment Day) 成道会
- December 8th is a very sacred day on which Gautama Siddhartha was fully enlightened under the Bodhi Tree at Budhagaya, and became the Buddha, the Supremely Awakened One. It is said that Gautama attained enlightenment when the morning star shone in the dawning light of the east.
MOCHITSUKI 餅つき
- Annual rice pounding event. Every year Zenshuji endeavours to make about 1000 pounds of mochi for it's members and the community at large with many volunteers’ help. This event has become a fun and rewarding cultural activity for anyone who wishes to participate.
YEAR-END SERVICE 歳末諷経
- A service to send off the old year and prepare for the new. Toshikoshi soba will be served after the service.