The scorching heat of the summer was calmed down with as Higan Banas (彼岸花), a.k.a. Manju Shage (曼珠沙華) flower in late September. Higan Bana is in bloom all of a sudden near Higan period (three days before and after the equinox days) in fall.
Higan is a translation of Paramita in Sanskrit and means “the other side”, i.e., Jodo paradise in the west where Buddha, i.e., the enlightened person including our deceased ancestors. On the other hand, the world we live in is Shigan (此岸). They are separated by Sanzu no Kawa river.
In equinox days, the sun rise in the west and sets in the east directly and we think Shigan is closest to Higan ( I’m afraid it could be hard for you but easy to understand for us.) and exercise Buddhist training and think of our ancestors we send back to Jodo with Gozan Okuribi some weeks ago.
In this situation, Higan Bana always reminds us of life and death. Hagakure, spiritual guide for Samurai, claims,” I found Bushido (the way of warrior) is dying.” The author does’t encourages a self-inflicted death. It means we make ourselves alive being ready for death because we can live each moment. I’m afraid it doesn’t make any sense but it is the way we are.
Fortunately, they bloom in the foot of the stage of Kiyomizu-dera temple. Check the video out.
Anyway, if you visit Japan in late September, it might be better to admire them to make your life come alive. 合掌
