According to sutra Shakyamuni saw the morning star at dawn on the 8th day of the 12th month of the lunar calendar and attained awakening. This occurred after six years of arduous practices which prepared him for this final period of realization. He embarked on an inner journey that led him to confront Mara, to resist temptations and distractions of anxiety, to overcome anger and greed. He came to a realization of the nature of reality; a synthesis of the wisdom and compassion that had been grasped through discipline and Kokoro, an open heart/mind/spirit.
In Japan this is celebrated on December 8th. Tendai observes the day of Shakyamuni Buddha’s awakening, referred to as Shaka-Jōdō-e or just Jōdō-e, in many different forms. Celebrations with traditional sweets, tea, a simple meal of milk rice, and readings of awakening narratives are common. Dharma study and chanting sutra are suggested activities
It is also a time when we might extend periods of meditation. One might try a practice beyond your normal activity, such as shūji or shodō (Japanese calligraphy) or shakyō, the East Asian practice of hand-copying Buddhist sutras.
This is also a period when we are especially attentive to acts of compassion and loving-kindness. This is modeled after the tale of a milkmaid Sujata who discovered him emaciated in the woods and offered him milk rice gruel that restored him to health. Following this he was able to sit under the Bodhi Tree until he was awakened.
This year we will discuss Shakyamuni Buddha’s awakening on Wednesday the fourth. For this entire month, especially between the period of Bodhi Day and the winter solstice, we can all commit ourselves to practices which expand our understanding of the dharma. We can further develop our pledge to perform acts of compassion. We can further dedicate ourselves to the middle way, the core of Shakyamuni Buddha’s message. The path to a life of peace and equanimity.
During this month of religious observances enjoy your family and friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. Appreciate our own Buddhist traditions while experiencing the sympathetic joy for all regardless of their faith journey, or none. This is a time to embrace the qualities of all religions that can bind us together. Rejoice by performing acts of gratitude and kindness to all.
Love and Gassho . . . Monshin