January 20 & 21st, 2018
Ho-Onko or Founder’s Memorial is one of the most important occasions observed in the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist tradition where we observe and honour the memorial of the passing of our founder Shinran Shonin.
We celebrate throughout the weekend of January 20th and 21st.
On Saturday January 20th we have a vegetarian potluck dinner in which everyone brings a vegetarian dish to share. Please come for 4:30pm so we have time to set up your contribution for dinner at 5:00pm, followed by a special Ho-Onko Eve Service at 6:30pm and a celebratory bowl of zenzai (sweet red bean soup).
On Sunday January 21st at 11:00am we have the regular Ho-Onko or Founder’s Memorial Service. Shinran was a rebel monk in the sense that he brought the Dharma (Buddha’s Teachings) out of the monastery to the common people during a time of great political turmoil, social unrest and violence. He introduced Buddhism to everyone regardless of class or intellect as a way for all to attain peace and happiness.
Please join us in honouring our Founder and his struggle to deliver Buddha’s Teachings to all of us.