Why Do We Celebrate Death?
Unique Jodo Shinshu Culture
In the Jodo Shinshu tradition, you may notice some customs that feel a little unique.
For example, we usually use plain white candles on the Onaijin. Candles, flowers, and incense together form the standard offerings to the Buddha. Occasionally, however, the candle color changes from white to red. In Japanese culture, red is widely associated with celebration and good fortune. When a wedding takes place, it is customary to replace the white candles with red ones. Interestingly, you may also notice red candles used during Shinran Shonin’s memorial service.
Another distinctive custom in Jodo Shinshu is the preparation of sekihan, red-bean rice. During the Hoonko season, sekihan is traditionally offered to the Buddha along with the red candles. In Japan, sekihan is usually prepared to celebrate joyful occasions, such as milestones or important life events. Therefore, when we see sekihan, we naturally associate it with gratitude and celebration. During the Hoonko observance, you may have noticed sekihan being offered here at the temple as well.
Hoonko’s History and Development
Hoonko is the memorial service for our founder, Shinran Shonin. Yet, as mentioned above, Jodo Shinshu followers do not observe Hoonko as a time of mourning alone; rather, we commemorate and celebrate Shinran Shonin’s passing. Why is this so?
In Jodo Shinshu, death is understood as being born into the Pure Land. Historically, at the time of Shinran Shonin’s passing, his family and disciples mourned deeply. Later, when Kakunyo Shonin—Shinran Shonin’s great-grandson—began formally observing Hoonko on the occasion of the thirty-third memorial service, he emphasized reverence for Amida Buddha’s Primal Vow and the assurance of Buddhahood. While Kakunyo Shonin did not explicitly state that Shinran Shonin had entered the Pure Land, the tradition of Jodo Shinshu came to express death as the fulfillment of one’s lifelong wish to be born there. In Japanese, this is expressed as "Ōjō no sokai o togeru."
Why Do We Celebrate Death?
This perspective reflects a unique aspect of Jodo Shinshu teaching. In many Buddhist traditions, prayers and merits are dedicated to help ensure a better afterlife for the deceased. In contrast, because Jodo Shinshu followers entrust themselves fully to Amida Buddha’s Primal Vow, concern about the afterlife is eased. Instead, we are able to acknowledge the peace of the deceased with gratitude for the Buddha’s compassion.
How comforting this teaching is. The Buddha offers profound spiritual care for our deepest concerns—especially those we cannot fully understand or resolve on our own. We are invited to entrust these concerns to the Buddha. This understanding applies not only to Hoonko, but also to the memorial services for our loved ones. Knowing the Buddha’s compassionate care, gratitude naturally arises within us. In this way, every memorial service becomes an opportunity to celebrate that care and to deepen our appreciation for it.
