On April 19, 2024, a memorial service commemorating the 850th anniversary of the founding of the Rikkyo sect by the founder of the sect, Honen, began at Komyoji Temple, the head temple of the Nishiyama Jodo sect in Ao, Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto Prefecture. Until April 25th, the 813th Anniversary Memorial Service will be held at the same time to commemorate the founder's legacy.
It is said that in the spring of 1175, when he was 43 years old, Honen Shonin was guided by the teachings of Zendo Daishi and preached the Dharma of Nembutsu to the villagers of Nishiyama Ao. He is returning to the origins of his Rikkyo sect and holding memorial services and commemorative projects to use this as an opportunity to increase his faith.
On this day, a commemorative event was held from 10 a.m., and the tea ceremony was solemnly performed by Sen Sosa, head of the tea ceremony Omotesenke school, in front of the head priest Norihide Sawada. He brewed strong tea, made light tea, and offered two bowls to the Buddha. At the music memorial service, the ''Nishiyama Buddha Hymn Society'' echoed the voices of the group inside the hall. The chief priest of Amidaji Temple (Nakama City, Fukuoka Prefecture) of the Western Missionary Mission gave a sermon.
At the China-China memorial service, the head of the religious council served as the leader and powerfully recited the ''Keisan no Sho'' to express his joy at being able to hold the commemorative memorial service. The monks and believers all commemorated the death by reading in unison a ``Kishomon'' that explains the teachings of Nembutsu.
During the festival, sermons and memorial services are held every day, as well as a variety of commemorative events such as a procession of children.
