HARU-NO HIGAN ( 春の彼岸 )

The Higan-e Ceremony ( 彼岸会 ) is practiced in all schools of Japanese Buddhism and is usually conducted on the days of the vernal and autumnal equinoxes (春分の日 shunbun no hi and shūbun 秋分の日). The word higan is a translation of the Sanskrit word “paramita” (波羅蜜, J. haramitsu, Cn. bōluómì), and means “arriving at the other shore" or in other terms, it signifies "crossing over".

Buddhism teaches that the world we live in is sahā realm 娑婆世界, (J. shaba-sekai , Cn. suōpó), full of suffering, in which all beings are exposed to suffering and are subject to the cycle of birth and death (saṃsāra). It is the place where both good and evil manifests and where beings must exercise patience and endurance (kṣānti), therefore also "realm of endurance“. 

Symbolically, the sahā world represents a shore that is separated from the shore of enlightenment (nirvana) by a great river into which the sources of all suffering flow. The symbolic crossing of that river of suffering is achieved with the cultivation (or attainment) of the six paramita (perfections): almsgiving, keeping the precepts, forbearance, assiduousness, meditation and the obtaining of wisdom. 

Thus, the main goal of this ceremony is is to remind us of both the importance of " reaching the other shore,” (achieving enlightenment) and the ways that that facilitates or enables it. Although day and night are not truelly equal during the equinoxes, they are close enough to each other and can therefore be used as a cosmic aid to see the the inseparability of darkness (ying) and light (yang), as well as the oneness of good and evil.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Registration - no entry without prior registration
• Punctuality - arrive 10 - 15' before the start of the practice to prepare in peace; the door is locked 5' before the start of the event and late practitioners cannot enter
• Skillful communication – silence at all times, no idle talk, posing questions only during Mondo, tea breaks, or after event
• Clean socks - prepare clean socks for the Zendo; it is not allowed to walk on the tatami with bare feet, in shoes or with dirty socks (unlike the usual Zendo where one practices barefoot, the Zendo in Hinotori An follows the rules of the Chado room to protect the tatami floor)
• Attire - to ensure painless sitting and preserve the atmosphere of a temple, attire should be loose-fitting (no jeans, or leather pants), in calm colors (preferable dark); not visually distracting (no short skirts, shorts, bermuda and tank tops - regardless of gender); watches and jingling jewelry must be removed; strong smells must be avoided.
• Mobile phones - need to be turned off completely or set on Airplane Mode (Silent Mode is also not allowed)

MISCELLANEOUS:

• Languages - verbal communication in Swiss, German or English. If necessary, instructions can be given also in Serbian or Slovenian.
• Approach - Hinotori An is a small urban Zen hermitage that cultivates simplicity, silence, discipline and serious practice.
• Preparation - Although guidance is always given when needed, students are advised to read Zendo Guidelines

Schedule: 

Wed, 20:15 - 22:15

Participants: 4

Duration: 120 min (2 hours)

Price: fuse (donation)

Only for Hinotori An students