vol.110 HI-GAN RITUAL:Fall equinox season ritual

Connecting with our ancestors and learning wisdoms from them
to have balance in our living lives. 

Twice a year, when the day time and night time become equal in length,
the ancient Japanese people thought we could be closer to the ancestors and loved ones who went to that side / Hi-Gan. And so, we visit cemeteries and temples to connect to our ancestors, pray and chant for them, and hold some rituals and ceremonies. 

I feel like...  
there is a river,
And there is that side and this side.
Twice a year, we can cross the river
to meet them, re-connect
and at the same time,
we face some truth in our living life which
our ancestors and loves ones will show us. 

We may have emotional disturbances (BonNoh) in our every day life, 
 which may cause pain and suffering,
but facing the BonNoh is the first step to gaining wisdom. In this ritual, we may see our shadows, but the shadow is the key to the path of wisdom. 

And I feel like- the ancestors and loved ones will guide us, protect us like a guardian angel. Layers of large wings to hold us. 
At least I feel like that about my mother who passed away, and I feel she is with me to teach me about life. ​

Higan Flower in Japan. photo by Yokko