426 Flowers Blooming In The Heavenly Realm

“Flowers Blooming In The Heavenly Realm”

In Japan, there is a custom called Ohigan
It occurs twice a year, centered on the vernal and autumnal equinoxes
This is the time when the sun rises due east and sets due west
It is believed that far to the west lies the Pure Land (Western Paradise)
Because day and night are nearly equal in length
The Pure Land is thought to be closest during this time of the year
And that thoughts from this world can more easily reach the other world
This belief forms the basis of the custom

In recent years, this tradition has been fading
Because feelings of gratitude toward ancestors have weakened
Certainly, for those who do not believe in the afterlife
Ohigan may seem like an irrational custom
However, the afterlife does indeed exist
And our ancestors continue to exist there

Both Buddha and Christ demonstrated great spiritual power
And naturally, they understood the nature of the afterlife
Buddha taught the importance of letting go of worldly attachments
Christ taught the importance of love
Many people interpret these as different teachings
But in essence, they are teachings for passing through the gates of heaven

Our existence in this world is thanks to our ancestors
It was they who gave us this opportunity
Spiritual evolution is only possible because this world exists
Ohigan is a time to express gratitude to such ancestors

As the autumn breeze begins to blow
Deep crimson red spider lily (manjusha-ge) start to bloom along the roadsides
They signal that Ohigan is near
In Sanskrit, Manjusha-ge means
Flowers that bloom in the heavenly realm