The months of September and March are noted for O-Higan, which, in Japanese Buddhism, marks the autumnal and spring equinox. The seven days of observance, are noted by an increased opportunity for Buddhist observances. In Tendai Buddhism we observe this period by reading, reflecting on, and contemplating the Six Perfections, performing Segaki rituals, participating in pilgrimages, and a host of other activities.

For Jodo Shinshu, the observance of Higan is simply the expression of gratitude to Amida Buddha for awakening us to Boundless Compassion and Wisdom. In all the Japanese Buddhist schools, it is a time to visit one's family's graves, and holding memorial services for their deceased loved ones.

The Six Paramitas, or Six Perfections (Dāna - Generosity, Śhilā - Morality and Ethics, Ksānti - Tolerance or Patience, Vīraya - Energy or Forbearance, Dhyāna - Meditation, and Prajñā - Wisdom) are found both in the Pali and Sanskrit Canon. The first three are applicable to all Buddhist practitioners, while the final three are usually thought of as being appropriate for advanced or ordained petitioners. My personal view is that the third, Ksānti, is the most difficult for the Buddhist practitioner, leading up to the advanced practices. The Dhammapada Verse 399, instructs us, "As He endures - unangered, insult, assault, & imprisonment. His army is strength; his strength, forbearance: he's what I call a brahman."

We will be discussing this very important Perfection, during the discussion later this month. What I would like to introduce at this time is the meditation which accompanies Ksānti.

You might begin doing the daily service before the meditations. Then proceed on to the meditations for Ksānti.

As with all Shikan meditations, begin by sitting quietly (Samatha), observing the breath, when a thought enters your mind perceive it and let it go. After sitting in this fashion for several minutes, perhaps five or ten, go on to the vipassana (contemplation) portion. Which is as follows:

1. Contemplate that those negative things we experience are the result of our own past actions
2. Contemplate on the idea that those who are acting with malice toward us are serving as our teachers in the perfection of tolerance.
3. Contemplate on the basic Buddhist concepts of dependent arising and non-self in order to depersonalize relations.

This O-Higan devote your meditations to this set of contemplations, you can do one of each of these for the first day beginning on September 18th through the 20th. On the 21st which is the equinox, and World Peace Day, meditate specifically on world peace. Then from the 22nd through 24th, use the foregoing meditations, in order, once again.

These are fractious and dispiriting times for Buddhists. We are all trying to cultivate an abiding sense of morality, forgiveness, and tolerance guided by wisdom. The forgoing meditation is especially useful as a means of creating equanimity in our daily actions.

Love and Gassho... Monshin