Ohigan (Rededication) Service

Higan is an abbreviation of “To-Higan” which literally meaning “to reach the other shore.” In Buddhism, the world of suffering is referred to as “this shore” and the world of Enlightenment is called “other shore.”

The term Higan comes from the Sanskrit word Paramita - “gone to other shore,” and suggests the Six Paramitas of charity, morality, patience, effort, meditation, and wisdom. In Jodo Shinshu, the observance of Higan is the expressing of our gratitude to Amida Buddha for awakening us to Boundless Compassion and Wisdom. This appreciation in our daily life is the Jodo Shinshu way of expressing our gratitude and thanksgiving for the wondrous virtues extended to us unconditionally and equally for all just like the sun’s ray which falls on the earth.