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
The Gregorian calendar is the calendar used in most parts of the world. It was introduced in October 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII as a modification of, and replacement for, the Julian calendar. The principal change was to space leap years dif ...
, typically this holiday is observed either in around 28 November (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 The or ''The Hymn of True Faith'' was written by the founder of Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism, Shinran. It consists of an outline of the Pure Land teaching according to Shinran's personal interpretation. The structure is as follows:
* Homage to Amida
* ...
, 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 is an Asian cuisine that is followed by monks and many believers from areas historically influenced by Mahayana Buddhism. It is vegetarian or vegan, and it is based on the Dharmic concept of ahimsa (non-violence). Vegetarianism ...
", though this is strictly optional. Temple services will often serve Buddhist cuisine after service including vegetarian
ozōni,
adzuki and
mochi
is a Japanese rice cake made of , a short-grain japonica glutinous rice, and sometimes other ingredients such as water, sugar, and cornstarch. The rice is pounded into paste and molded into the desired shape. In Japan, it is traditionally ma ...
.
Buddhist holidays
January observances
November observances
Shinran
Observances set by the traditional Japanese calendar
Buddhist festivals in Japan
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