We will hold the Otakiage Ceremony to express our gratitude to Ofuda, Omamori, Toba and other religious items we have used during 2019, and return them back to nature. Since they are items we have used in our spiritual practice it is important to take care of them properly. We do not just throw them away, but treat them with respect and hold a ceremony to burn them and return them to nature and the universe.
Please return any Ofuda, Omamori or Toba from 2019 and other items you have finished using in your Buddhist practice to the temple before Sunday 12th January, when we will hold the Otakiage Ceremony.
Setsubun literally means "season division." According to the Chinese solar calendar, February 3rd marks the last day of winter and the beginning of Spring.
As Setsubun marks a new beginning, we pray for good health and protection against misfortune in the upcoming year. After a special ceremony, we will throw blessed roasted soy beans to chase away evil and welcome good fortune for the coming year. Please join us for this fun event.
According to the tradition in East Asia, it is said that Śākyamuni Buddha entered into Parinirvāṇa on 15th day of the second month. Having given his final instructions to his disciples, the Buddha told Ānanda to inform the people of Kushinagara that he would pass away during the coming night. A special ceremony will be held at the temple of mark the anniversary of this event.