Higan is a seven-day period that happens three days before and three days after the Spring and Fall Equinox. During this period Buddhists are asked to consciously reflect upon themselves and their deeds in relation to the Six Paramitas, the perfections in behavior that make up the Bodhisattva practice. The three days before the Equinox and the three days after focus on each of these perfections. On the day of the Equinox, a ceremony his held honoring one’s ancestors and loved ones who have passed away.

This year the Equinox occurs on Sunday, March 20. Last year, I devoted the entire month of March and September to the topic. This year, since I’m already in the midst of my 800 Years of Faith project, I am going to post a single quote on the three days before and after the Equinox. For March, I’ve decided to use Nikkyō Niwano’s definition of the perfections found Buddhism for Today.