Nirvana Day, also known as Parinirvana Day, is a significant observance in the Buddhist calendar. It commemorates the passing of Shakyamuni Buddha into Parinirvana, the final state of enlightenment. Celebrated on February 8th or 15th, depending on the Buddhist tradition, this day is an opportunity for reflection on impermanence, the nature of suffering, and the… Read more »
Category: Culture
Osechi Ryori: The Sumptuous Foods of Japanese New Year
Every year, as the clock strikes midnight on January 1st, households across Japan celebrate the arrival of the New Year with a feast unlike any other. This feast, known as osechi ryori, is not only a culinary tradition but also a reflection of Japan’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Steeped in history, osechi dishes are prepared… Read more »
Daruma Dolls: A Whimsical New Year Tradition
The New Year, or Shōgatsu, is one of the most important holidays in Japan, filled with traditions that signify renewal, reflection, and hope for the future. Celebrated from January 1st to 3rd, the holiday season is marked by a variety of customs, including visiting shrines, enjoying festive foods like osechi ryōri, and exchanging greetings with… Read more »
The Benson Heat Experiment
The ability of the human mind to influence the body has fascinated scientists and spiritual practitioners alike for centuries. Can you affect your physical state, your body temperature, for example, through the power of mind alone? Researcher probed this very question in the 1980s with surprising results. The Benson Heat Experiment explored the phenomenon of… Read more »
A Beginner’s Guide to Furoshiki
Furoshiki, Japanese wrapping cloth, is more than just a piece of fabric—it is a traditional, elegant accessory that adds a unique touch to gifts and travel. Today it is also gaining popularity as an eco-friendly way to ditch single-use wrapping paper. In our beginner’s guide to furoshiki, you’ll learn everything you need to know about… Read more »
Bodhi Day, a Celebration of the Buddha’s Enlightenment
Bodhi Day honors the day Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became the Buddha. This significant event in Buddhist tradition is not only a cornerstone of spiritual practice but also a celebration. Across the world, Bodhi Day is commemorated by diverse customs and traditions. This sacred day inspires us to embrace the light of wisdom and… Read more »
A Brief History of Green Tea
Green tea, Camellia sinensis, with its vibrant color, rich culture, and caffeine kick is as popular today as it was centuries ago. From the courts of Chinese kingdoms to Japanese Zen monasteries, and even your local Starbucks, the history of green tea stretches across cultures and countries. Green tea is more than just a drink… Read more »
The Great Buddha of Kamakura
If you venture just south of Tokyo to the ancient capital city of Kamakura, you’ll find the “Great Buddha” or Daibutsu statue, one of Japan’s most famous cultural treasures. Looming large against the sky at an impressive 11.4 meters (37.4 feet) tall, the bronze-cast Great Buddha is the second largest Buddha statue in Japan, second… Read more »
The History of Japanese Lacquerware
Japanese lacquerware, known as shikki (漆器), has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The art of applying layers of lacquer to wood, bamboo, and other materials has become highly refined over the centuries, evolving into a prized cultural art form. Lacquerware first emerged during the Jomon period in Japan (14,000–300 BCE), where archaeological… Read more »
What is a mokugyo (fish drum)?
The mokugyo, also known as a “fish drum” or “wooden fish,” is a traditional percussion instrument of East Asian Buddhist traditions, including China, Japan, and Korea. The word “mokugyo” comes from the Japanese characters “moku” (木), meaning wood, and “gyo” (魚), meaning fish, which reflects its shape and material. As the name implies, the mokugyo… Read more »
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