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© 2022-2023. KOBOJI SHINGON MISSION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. |
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Annual services are conducted at Koboji for major Buddhist and Japanese events throughout the year.
Most services are open to the public. Please visit the News & Events page for this year's calendar and for updates on events. This page is under construction. |
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January
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Hatsu Goma, Hatsu Daishi-ko, Hatsu Kito
The first Sunday service of the year features a Goma Fire Rite, prayers to Odaishisama, and a special gokito blessing for all in attendance. |
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February
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Hoshi Matsuri (Star Festival)
Each person, by honoring the Ursa Major, constellations of the zodiac, and nine-day constellations of the 28 Chinese mansions, prays for riddance from bad fortune. A goma fire rite is performed for all in attendance. Kaiki Kinenbi (Founder's Day) Each year members honor the late Bishop Kakuo Okimura who founded Koboji Shingon in 1947. |
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March
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Shomieku (Holy Day)
On this Sunday service, we express gratitude to Kobo Daishi's unending prayers for us. Mantoe (Candlelight Service) March 21 is the day of the Daishi's entry into eternal meditation on Mt. Koya. An evening candlelight service is held on this day for members to place a candle in front of Kobo Daishi. It is the only time of the year when lay members are allowed on the altar. Haru Higan & Hana Matsuri (Spring Equinox and Buddha's Birthday) A celebration of the Spring Equinox and birth of the historical Shakamuni Buddha. |
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April
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Seijin & Choju Shiki (Adulthood Day Celebration)
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June
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Aoba & Shugyo Daishi Matsuri (Kobo Daishi Birth Celebration)
Aoba Matsuri (literally “Green Leaf Festival” in Japanese) is a commemoration of the birth of our founder, Kobo Daishi, the rebirth of the promise of spring, and a continuing expression of respect for friends and family who have passed on. For spring, green is a significant color. Trees, bushes and grass spring forth in their varied hues of green. This was the world that Kobo Daishi first experienced in Shikoku on the 15th day of the sixth lunar month in 774, the year of his birth. Learn more. |
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July
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September
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Aki Higan (Autumn Equinox)
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November
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Shichi-Go-San & Jizo Matsuri (Children's Festival)
Shichi-Go-San is a rite of passage for girls and boys to mark the passage from infancy to childhood. At Koboji, a service is conducted in front of Jizo Bosatsu, the patron deity of children to pray for children's wellbeing, health, and growth. Saito O-Goma |