September has a certain feel about it. I have a set of expectations regarding September. Following a summer of vacations and a break from normal routines we prepare to become more productive, get back to school, a busier time at work, sports and cultural events abound and we prepare for the holidays, be they Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, or Muslim.
For Buddhists, in all the Japanese schools, September marks Autumnal O-Higan. Higan is a Buddhist holiday celebrated for seven days: three days before and after both the Autumnal equinox and Spring equinox. This year the autumn equinox is September 22nd. Thus O-Higan is from September 19th – 25th. This period is considered an ideal time for spiritual reflection and to practice the Six Pāramitās, which are virtues in Mahayana Buddhism aimed at crossing over to enlightenment.
In Mahayana the Six Pāramitās, or Transcendent Perfections in Buddhism, are essential qualities to cultivate on the path to enlightenment. They are generosity, ethical conduct, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom. It is generally understood that the Perfections are in a progressive order from what is considered the easiest to perfect going on to the more difficult. Also, the first three are suggested of all people and the last three are expected of ordinands. Not sure how relevant that is today, providing that for a context.
To be sure this is not to suggest that one practices generosity, dāna, until it is perfected. Then go on to śila, ethical conduct or morality, before going on to Kṣānti, patience. One should practice all of them to one’s ability, all the time. It is to submit that generosity and morality build one’s character that contributes to patience, and patience further contributes to vīrya, tireless and unwavering energy and effort necessary to overcome obstacles, cultivate virtue, and realize wisdom, through dhyāna, contemplative absorption.
What I would like to concentrate on is an essential aspect of the Buddha Dharma in relation to the Six Pāramitās, the fifth perfection is meditation which leads to the sixth paramita, wisdom. There’s an implicit direction here that one must cultivate generosity, morality, and patience as a means of encouraging diligence and effective meditation. In other words, the focus of this straightforward path to awakening is not on oneself but on improving the conditions for humanity.
Take the time during O-Higan this year, as matter of fact for the entire month of September, to reflect on how one’s own actions and intentions are working toward awakening through the focus on working for the benefit of others as opposed to oneself.
This idea seems to be in opposition to what we see around us on a daily basis. If you are frustrated and by what we see around us today it is time not to give up, but to find new, creative, inspired ways to bring the middle way and humanity back to our world. As is states in the Dhammapada, “A [person] … who strives in the Buddha’s teachings is like the moon emerging from the clouds and lighting up the world.” “The seeker who sets out upon the way shines bright over the world. Like the moon, come out from behind the clouds! Shine.” (25:23)
Gassho with love . . . Monshin