New Year’s Eve

Many temples hold services on New Year’s Eve to express gratitude for the past year and to reflect on the interdependency of all life, and on all things that have made it possible for one to life through the year. Often at these services, attendees ring the kansho (temple bell)...

Continue reading

Bodhi Day

This is the day to commemorate Sakyamuni Buddha’s attainment of Awakening under the Bodhi tree. The day signifies the dawn of humanity’s universal emancipation from suffering and unawareness. Temples hold special services on or near this date, sometimes joining with sanghas (temple communities) of other traditions.

Continue reading