Thoughts on This Hanamatsuri

The Larger Sutra further reveals that Shakyamuni appeared in this world and expounded the teachings of the way to enlightenment, seeking to save the multitudes of living beings by blessing them with this benefit that is true and real. Thus, to teach the Tathagata’s Primal Vow is the true intent of this Sutra; the Name of the Buddha is its essence.

Kyogyoshinsho – Chapter I

On April 3^rd, San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Buddhist Temple will be celebrating Hanamatsuri. Hanamatsuri, or Flower Festival, is the birthday celebration of the historical Shakyamuni Buddha.

According to legend, Siddhartha was conceived when his mother, Maya, dreamed that a white elephant entered her body through the side. With her delivery time approaching, as with tradition of the time she returned to her parents’ home to give birth. However, on her journey home her entourage came to rest at the wooded garden of Lumbini. There, standing with her outstretched right hand on the branch of a tree, the infant Buddha jumped from her womb … thereupon, the infant Siddhartha rose to his feet, took seven steps forward and declared “Upon the heavens, on all the earth, I alone am the World Honored One.” Soon, a gentle, sweet rain fell upon the garden and bathed the infant.

Of course we all know it is impossible for a newborn infant to not only walk, but also to speak immediately after birth. Thus, the question then is, not whether it’s true or not …. But what does it mean?

At the time, it was believed that there were six realms of human existence (hell, realm of hungry ghosts, ani­mals, asuras (evil and fearsome spirits fond of fighting), men, and heavenly beings). By taking the seventh step for­ward, the newborn infant had gone beyond the six realms and into the world of Truth. And it is within this world of Truth that we are all born.

As with all newborn children, the baby Siddartha was born a common human being. The legend that surrounds his birth is meant only to remind us that the birth of any newborn infant is an extraordinary event. “Under the heavens, on all the earth, I alone am the World Honored One” … this is the cry of all newborn babies, it reminds us that through numerous causes and conditions we have been born into this life. Each birth, is an extraordinary event. As we reflect upon our own birth, we can easily see that we are a product of two people, our mother and father. And that my parents are a product of their mother and father … a total of four people to make my birth possible (grandparents), and my grandparents are a product of their mother and father … a total of eight people (great grandparents). But if we continue it becomes mind-boggling. Within the tenth generation there are 1,024 people involved in my birth and within the twenty-fifth generation there are 33,554,432 people that are responsible for who I am! If one of those 33,554, 432 people had not met, I would not be here today. As you can see each birth is unique and remarkable … beyond comparison to anyone or anything.

For all Buddhists throughout the world, the birthday of the human being Siddartha is a significant event. As a human being, he had been born into this world and through the experiences that confront all living beings, awoke to the very Truth of the universe or Ultimate Reality.

Today, we are able to receive the teachings of this truth through the words and experience of a human being …. Shakyamuni.

So as we commemorate the birth of Buddha, it gives us an opportunity for all of us to express our gratitude to the Buddha and reflect on his teachings … the teachings that open our eyes to the truth of impermanence and interdependence in our daily lives.

Namo Amida Butsu