Spring Higan

Haru Higan (Jp. 春彼岸) is the Spring Equinox. Higan refers to beyond the border of this world or the other side of the shore. It is a time when our ancestors are close to us, and we pay our respects to them. Toba memorial tablets may be requested before the service. A minister will make offerings to our departed loved ones to support their spiritual strength in the next world.

At Koboji, the Spring Higan is celebrated with Hana Matsuri, the historical Buddha's Birthday. The service features the pouring of sweet tea over baby Buddha. Members of the Fujinkai decorate the hanamido with flowers.

Requesting Toba

Along with Obon, the equinox is a special time to honor our ancestors in gratitude for all that we have been given.
If you would like to honor your ancestors with prayers at this service, you may request a toba memorial tablet be prepared. The toba can honor an individual or an ancestral family (Senzo Daidai). A minister will read the tobas during the service so that the congregation can offer prayers and spiritual energies with our departed loved ones.

Please share the following information to request a toba:

• ​Full Name of Deceased
• Kaimyo
• Date of Death
• Age of Death
• Your Name (Sponor)

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The Flower That I Am

The life of the cherry tree
Makes cherry blossoms bloom.
The life of the pear tree
Makes pear blossoms bloom.
Each tree does not err
In making its blossoms bloom.
My life makes
The flower that I am bloom.
Different from persons A and B,
It makes the flower that I am bloom.

​

私の花​

桜の木の命は
桜の花を咲かせる
梨の木の命は
梨の花を咲かせる
間違いなしに
その木の花を咲かせる
私の命は
私の花を咲かせる
AくんやBくんとは違った
私の花を咲かせる