Hoonko
Encyclopedia
is a holiday in the tradition of Japanese Jodo Shinshu
Buddhism that observes the memorial of its founder, Shinran
Shonin. Depending on whether the old Japanese lunar calendar is used, or the western Gregorian calendar
, typically this holiday is observed either in around November 28 (as in the Higashi Honganji) or early January from the 9th to the 16th (as in the Nishi Honganji) respectively. This holiday is among the most important observed in the Jodo Shinshu tradition. The observance began after Shinran's daughter, Kakushinni carried on administration of Shinran's mausoleum, as did her descendants, who ultimately became the Monshu
of Jodo Shinshu. In the word hōonkō; 'hōon' means "return of
gratitude" and 'ko' means "to clarify the meaning of" or "gathering"'.
A typical service for Hoonko will consist of reciting Shinran's hymn, the Shoshinge
, and a reading from the life of Shinran. Followers will sometimes observe a strict diet that day, preferring to eat shōjin ryōri or "Buddhist cuisine
", though this is strictly optional. Temple services will often serve Buddhist cuisine after service including vegetarian ozoni, adzuki and mochi
.
Jodo Shinshu
, also known as Shin Buddhism, is a school of Pure Land Buddhism. It was founded by the former Tendai Japanese monk Shinran. Today, Shin Buddhism is considered the most widely practiced branch of Buddhism in Japan.-Shinran :...
Buddhism that observes the memorial of its founder, Shinran
Shinran
was a Japanese Buddhist monk, who was born in Hino at the turbulent close of the Heian Period and lived during the Kamakura Period...
Shonin. Depending on whether the old Japanese lunar calendar is used, or the western Gregorian calendar
Gregorian calendar
The Gregorian calendar, also known as the Western calendar, or Christian calendar, is the internationally accepted civil calendar. It was introduced by Pope Gregory XIII, after whom the calendar was named, by a decree signed on 24 February 1582, a papal bull known by its opening words Inter...
, typically this holiday is observed either in around November 28 (as in the Higashi Honganji) or early January from the 9th to the 16th (as in the Nishi Honganji) respectively. This holiday is among the most important observed in the Jodo Shinshu tradition. The observance began after Shinran's daughter, Kakushinni carried on administration of Shinran's mausoleum, as did her descendants, who ultimately became the Monshu
Monshu
The Monshu , or keeper of the gate is a term sometimes used in Japanese Buddhism to denote the head of a monastery, as in the case of Jōdo Shū and Tendai Buddhism, but in the case of the Nishi Honganji sub-sect of Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism, it refers to the spiritual leader of the sect, and direct...
of Jodo Shinshu. In the word hōonkō; 'hōon' means "return of
gratitude" and 'ko' means "to clarify the meaning of" or "gathering"'.
A typical service for Hoonko will consist of reciting Shinran's hymn, the Shoshinge
Shoshinge
The Shōshinge or The Hymn of True Faith was written by the founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, Shinran. It consists of an outline of the Pure Land teaching according to Shinran's personal interpretation...
, and a reading from the life of Shinran. Followers will sometimes observe a strict diet that day, preferring to eat shōjin ryōri or "Buddhist cuisine
Buddhist cuisine
Buddhist cuisine is an East Asian cuisine which is followed by some believers of Buddhism. It is primarily vegetarian, in order to keep with the general Buddhist precept of ahimsa...
", though this is strictly optional. Temple services will often serve Buddhist cuisine after service including vegetarian ozoni, adzuki and mochi
Mochi
Mochi is a Japanese rice cake made of glutinous rice pounded into paste and molded into shape. In Japan it is traditionally made in a ceremony called mochitsuki. While also eaten year-round, mochi is a traditional food for the Japanese New Year and is commonly sold and eaten during that time...
.