[Essay] Obon, Ohigan, and Jizo. A 56-year-old white hamster talks about "Buddhist events and one's state of mind"

In life, there are several seasons throughout the year when we feel "ancestors and Buddhas" close to us. Yes, that would be Obon in the summer, and the spring and autumn equinoxes (Ohigan).

Usually, I'm just thinking about things like "what should I have for dinner today?" or "should I go to ChocoZAP or not?", but actually, despite how I look, I do have a little bit of knowledge about Buddhist teachings and the origins of various events.

Since it's the season, I'd like to share some deep Buddhist stories related to "Obon" and "Ohigan" with you all in an easy-to-understand way, mixed with my own unique interpretation.

1. Cucumbers, eggplants, and the logistics of ancestor transportation

When I was a child and first saw those things (Shoryouma) in front of the Buddhist altar, I tilted my head in confusion, wondering, "Why are adults playing by sticking legs onto important vegetables...?" but they actually contain an incredibly thoughtful "transportation arrangement" for our ancestors.

Simply put, those two creatures (or vehicles?) are "limited-time custom cars" exclusively for our ancestors.

First, the "horse" is made from a fresh, green cucumber.

For ancestors returning to the mundane world from "the other side" after a long time, it is prepared as a fast horse, acting as a supercar, out of the wish that "I want you to get home as quickly as possible so you can eat something delicious with everyone!" The ancestors are said to be all excited, riding the wind as if they were riding a wild horse, racing back home.

And then, the "cow" is made from a plump eggplant.

When Obon ends and they return to the other side saying, "Well then, see you later," they switch to riding a sturdy cow instead.

It's a touching consideration, implying, "Since it's sad to leave, please take your time going back while enjoying the scenery," and "Please be careful on your way back with all the offerings and souvenirs you received from everyone piled up on the cow's back."

It's a truly logical transportation system: "fastest travel like an F1 car" on the way there, and "slow driving in a large truck loaded with souvenirs" on the way back.

Recently, I've seen Shoryouma on the internet that have been high-tech modified to look like sports bikes, and perhaps the ancestors are happy, thinking, "Oh, is this the latest model this year!"

2. The grateful story of Obon and Jizo

First, Obon. It is generally a familiar event to welcome ancestors during the period of July 13th to 16th (New Obon) or August 13th to 16th (Old Obon), but there is also a day called "Jizo-bon" on August 24th.

Jizo statues are often seen on street corners, but the word "Jizo" itself is written as "Buddha who stores in the earth," and it refers to "the earth itself" (or on a larger scale, the planet Earth itself!).

Regardless of country, religion, or daily customs, everyone living on Earth is kept alive thanks to this earth (Jizo).

Even those of us who are usually scurrying around on the ground are actually being protected in the palm of Jizo's hand. How grateful, how grateful.

And speaking of Jizo, have you ever heard the term "Six Jizo (Roku-Jizo)"?

This is a grateful belief that Jizo will save humans from the "six painful worlds (Rokudo)" that we might wander into.

That 'Six Realms' (Rokudo) concept is, in itself, quite realistic and terrifying.

...Hmm. When I line them up like this, I break into a cold sweat, thinking, 'Hey, don't I sometimes get angry and become an Asura, or get uncontrollably hungry in the middle of the night and become a Hungry Ghost, or jump at delicious food right in front of me like an animal...'

Kobo Daishi Kukai also said, 'Because one's own mind is lost, the waves of the Six Realms surge' (The waves of suffering called the Six Realms ripple because your own mind is lost).

It means that when your own mind is disturbed, you immediately create the worlds of Hell and Asura yourself. Oh dear, I must be careful.

3. Ohigan and the 6 pieces of homework for crossing to the 'other side'

Next is 'Ohigan'.

It refers to a one-week period, with the Spring Equinox or Autumn Equinox in the middle, and three days before and after.

In Buddhism, this troubled world we live in is called 'Shigan' (this shore), and the world of enlightenment free from worldly desires is called 'Higan' (the other shore).

Now, the Ohigan period is 'a week of training to cross from this shore to that wonderful other shore.'

The content of that training is the six teachings called 'Six Paramitas.' They sound difficult, but I've quickly translated them into my own style.

...Wow, this really hits home! Things like 'Patience' and 'Diligence' are exactly what I need when I'm about to give up on muscle training or studying.

However, I don't think you have to try to become a saint who has suddenly attained enlightenment. Treating people you meet today with a smile (Giving), keeping time properly (Morality), or taking a deep breath when you get irritated (Meditation)...

Such small 'good intentions' in daily life might just be the steps that bring you one step closer to that wonderful other shore (Higan).

Conclusion

Obon and Ohigan might not just be events for visiting graves and eating rice cakes, but 'a chance to stop for a moment and re-examine your usual way of living and state of mind.'

While being grateful for the blessings of the Earth (Jizo-sama), I want to live every day being conscious of 'kindness and calmness' so that I don't stumble and get lost in the Six Realms.

Why don't you take this opportunity to think of your ancestors and tidy up your own heart a little bit?

(Well then, see you in the next article! Rustle, rustle...🐹)