Remembering those who came before us with gratitude
Higan-e is a Japanese Buddhist observance held around the spring and autumn equinoxes. At our Autumn Equinox Ceremony, we take time to remember our ancestors and those who came before us, expressing gratitude for the life that has been passed on to us.
Buddhism teaches dependent origination — that our lives do not exist in isolation. Each of us is here through countless relationships, conditions and lives that came before our own. Remembering our ancestors can therefore be a way of recognising more deeply how much of our life has been received from others.
This does not require us to have simple or idealised feelings about our families. We may come with gratitude, memories, grief, questions, or feelings that are difficult to put into words. We are welcome to bring all of this into the practice as it is.
Remembering through Buddhist practice
During the ceremony, we recite Kyoten (the Lotus Sutra) together and read the names of ancestors and those we wish to remember before the Buddha. We dedicate the merit of our practice to them, expressing gratitude and praying for their peace.
At the same time, Higan-e turns our attention towards the way we are living now. Receiving life from those who came before us invites us to consider what we in turn can give to others. We therefore renew our intention to practise the bodhisattva way — bringing greater compassion, care and benefit into our families, relationships and communities.
In this way, remembering our ancestors is not only about looking back. It can also become an opportunity to recognise the connections that sustain us and to carry that gratitude forward through the way we live.
Who is it for?
This ceremony is open to anyone, including non-members.
You do not need to be familiar with Japanese Buddhist traditions or to have attended a memorial ceremony before. If you would like a quiet opportunity to remember those who came before you, reflect on the connections that have shaped your life, and experience Buddhist practice together with our sangha, you are warmly welcome.
How to attend
If you would like to attend, whether in person or online, please contact us using the enquiry form below and mention “Autumn Equinox Ceremony”.
We kindly ask that you get in touch in advance, so we can welcome you and share any practical details.
Fee
There is no charge to attend.
If you feel moved to do so, donations are gratefully received and help support the life of our Buddhist centre.
