Autumnal Equinox day...

It is the Autumnal Equinox Day today. At 10:54, the Sun passed at the Autumnal Equinox point. I was visiting the annex of 一心寺 (Isshinji Temple) then to make a hand written copy of Buddhism Sutras for my ancestors souls. 

We are now in the mid day of 彼岸 (Higan) which started from 20th for 7 days until 26th. During this period, it is said that the distance between this life and the life after death becomes closer, and also that our hearts and thoughts are reaching our ancestors. And so we Japanese visit Family tomb or temples to pray for them.

By making a copy of hand-written Heart Sutras, I practiced a private memorial service for my ancestors to pass my heart and thought. Not the only 彼岸 (Higan) is the period of showing our hearts and thoughts to our ancestors, but also it is a period that we are recommended to practice of getting rid of worldly passions and desires from our hearts, and of seeking for inner peace.

I could focus on each word of Heart Sutras written of 半紙 (Hanshi)/Calligraphy Paper which looks better than usual. Taking a deep breath, I write each word as if so-called "108 worldly passions and desires" were removed from myself.  It is a kind of Buddhism Training which is very simple and easy that we can practice anytime. And I like it very much.

So many people were visiting temples near by. I feel worried a lot recently that we might be loosing our hearts that we values on these events and think of ancestors with gratitude. However I was a bit relieved again to see those many people heading for the temples.

What's the next event of this year?

We will be in October in a week, and only 3 months to go for 2019. Wow, time goes so fast. And my 45th birthday is coming soon. Everything that is related to time can never be winded backward, and the time is precious, and our life is so precious. We really need to note it any moments of our time.


Masami