Namo Amida Butsu
It is said that March is an important month for each of us to devote ourselves to the teachings of the Buddha.We observe a Buddhist service called Ohigan twice a year. Through this service, we as Buddhists take time to reflect on ourselves and consider what kind of Buddhist we aspire to be. Ohigan services are held in March and September, and I believe our pioneers established this tradition to give us an opportunity every six months to use the Buddha’s teachings as a mirror—guiding us back to the path when we may drift away amid the busyness of daily life. (These special services are not commonly seen in Chinese or Indian Buddhist traditions, so I believe the Japanese Buddhist community developed Ohigan as a time for self-reflection through the teachings of the Buddha.)
We, including myself, often become overconfident, believing that we know ourselves very well. Yet in reality, what we do not know about ourselves is far greater than what we think we know. Very often, we feel that we understand others better than we understand our own hearts and minds.
During the Edo period, there was a commonly used phrase called “idobata kaigi,” or “well-side meeting.” It is said that residents of tenement houses would gather near the shared well and engage in conversations about everyday events. Because the walls between the rooms were extremely thin, there was very little privacy. Marital disagreements and private matters could easily be overheard and then become topics of conversation at the idobata kaigi.
However, historical accounts also describe these communities as friendly and close-knit. People were not afraid to hear or share personal matters, and such conversations often led them to reflect on their own behavior and correct themselves. While kind and honest conversation can be helpful, we must also remember that harmful gossip can be painful and destructive.
Here is a metaphor from the Buddha that relates to this idea. One day, the Buddha spoke to a very poor man and taught:
“There is a difference between a good person and an evil person. An evil person is unaware of their own wrongdoing and continues harmful actions without trying to stop. When questioned, even about small matters, they become angry and defensive. They expect charity from others as if it were only natural. A good person understands what is right and what is wrong. When they realize they have acted wrongly, they stop and feel gratitude toward those who point out their mistakes and help them correct their behavior. A foolish person is unable to appreciate the kindness shown to them. A wise person is always grateful and expresses that gratitude by showing compassion—not only to those who have helped them, but to all beings.”
In our daily lives, we are supported by many people. Whether directly or indirectly, others constantly help and sustain us. Ohigan is a precious opportunity to reflect on ourselves through the true teachings of the Dharma—an opportunity to recognize our shortcomings and listen deeply to the voice of the Buddha.
In Jōdo Shinshū, Ohigan encourages us to listen to the teachings with a mind free of doubt and to correct the mistaken image of ourselves reflected in the mirror of the Dharma.
How do we become aware of this truth? Only when we listen with a humble and open heart, and anchor our lives in the Buddha-Dharma, do we begin to see our true selves. Yet, no matter how many times we hear the teachings, we tend to forget them quickly. Perhaps this is why our ancestors ensured that we observe Ohigan twice a year—to gently bring us back, again and again, to the path of gratitude, humility, and awakening.
As we observe Ohigan this March, let us visit the temple, listen deeply to the teachings of the BuddhaDharma, and look into the mirror of the Dharma in our hearts. May we be guided toward our truest and most sincere selves.
