| Buddhist Holiday Observances at BTC The following list of Buddhist holidays is by no means exhaustive or indicative of the practices of other temples or streams of Buddhadharma. Highlighted items have links to more detailed information. Where links are on other sites, they will open up in a new window. Please visit this area often to see new writeups and essays by eloquent authors. | |
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Ongoing Observances Shotsuki Hoyo (monthly memorial): first Sun. each month with some exceptions. Please contact the temple office at 773-334-4661 for each month's Shotsuki Hoyo date. As of April 10, allEnglish Language Sunday services, in cluding Shotsuki Hoyo will be conducted at a new place and time. As of April 10 all Japanese Language Shotosuki Hoyo services will be observed at 1:115pm in the Ministers' Residence building first floor, 4641 N. Racine Ti Sarana Formal investiture in the Sangha. While BTC and other Shin-oriented temples do not have monks or nuns, participation in Ti Sarana gives the participant a symbolic connection to the monastic life, that is, a life completely devoted to the Buddhadharma. Participants recite the Three Treasures, have their heads symbolically shaved (The razor is not honed; no hair is actually cut.), and receive a Dharma name.  Ti Sarana can be scheduled at the request of the individual or offered from time to time by the Temple to anyone interested in participating as a member of a group in this ceremony.Back to top of page |
January
New Year’s Day--while technically not a Buddhist holiday, the occasion is used to renew commitment to live the Dharma in the new year and vow to renounce the 108 Bon-No (or 108 ways one can transgress against one’s fellow creatures). February
Nirvana Day--Usually observed the second Sunday in February, is the date, according to Mahayana tradition, of Shakyamuni Buddha’s death and passing into Mahaparinirvana (complete extinction of ego-self and reuinification with the universe). Link to the Buddha’s last words.March
Spring O-HiganApril Hanamatsuri or Wesak--Usually the Sunday on or before April 8, the observance of the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, who would eventually become the historical Buddha. Please note April 3, 2005 Hanamatsuri will be the last official service at 1151 W. Leland. Refer to the sitemap for changes to our schedule an dlocations during demolition of the old temple and construction of the new one.May Hatsumairior Parents’ Day--This is the first formal visit by a child to the Temple. The child and parents participate in a brief ceremony including the Three Treasures. Each child receives a certificate of Hatsumairi (First Presentation) and an o-juzu (meditation beads). August O-BonSeptember
Fall O-HiganNovember
Ho-on-koDecember Bodhi DayBack to top of page |
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