March 2025

The Truth of "All Phenomena Are Without a Self"

Time flies, and we are already in March of 2025. During the Edo period (1603–1868), there were annual holidays known as the "Five Seasonal Festivals." These festivals include "Jinjitsu" (January 7), "Jōshi" (March 3), "Tango" (May 5), "Tanabata" (July 7), and "Chōyō" (September 9), marking seasonal transitions.

Those familiar with Japanese culture may recall the events associated with these days, but the origins of the Five Seasonal Festivals trace back to China. "Jinjitsu" involved eating nanakusa-gayu (seven-herb porridge) to pray for good health, "Tango" was associated with warding off epidemics and misfortunes, "Tanabata" was akin to a Chinese version of Valentine’s Day, and "Chōyō" was a day to avoid misfortune and pray for longevity. In Japan, these traditions evolved into customs such as eating seven-herb porridge (January 7), using medicinal plants like plantains and eating auspicious kashiwa-mochi (oak leaf-wrapped rice cake filled with sweet red bean paste) (May 5), writing wishes on tanzaku (wish stips) (July 7), and decorating with chrysanthemums, symbolizing longevity (September 9).

So, what about this month's event, "Jōshi"? In China, Jōshi was closely tied to purification rituals, such as cleansing oneself in a river, as well as ceremonies honoring deities associated with marriage and fertility. When this tradition reached Japan, it developed into customs like "Nagashi-bina" (floating dolls on water to carry away misfortunes) and the practice of displaying "Hina-ningyō" (dolls) to pray for girls’ healthy growth and good fortune in marriage.

An interesting aspect of this is the meaning of the kanji "雛" (hina). The character "雛" means "small," and baby birds are also called "hina" in Japanese. The term hina-ningyō simply means "small dolls." In Chinese, this kanji is pronounced as "Chu," while in Japanese, it is sometimes read as "sū," as in "雛禽 (sūkin)," meaning "young birds." However, it is most commonly pronounced as "hina."

One theory suggests that the pronunciation "hina" for "雛" was influenced by Sanskrit, the classical language of India. In Sanskrit, the word hīna means "small" or "inferior," and some believe that this influenced the Japanese reading of the kanji "雛" as "hina." While this theory has been noted in linguistic studies and Buddhist terminology, it has not been academically established as a definitive theory. Considering that even the Japanese syllabary (gojūon) was influenced by Sanskrit, it is evident that Japanese culture has been deeply shaped by both Indian and Chinese influences.

Why did I begin this month’s article with this topic? Because I wanted to emphasize that every country, not just Japan, has been shaped by various influences over time. For example, the creation of Buddhist statues in Gandhara, India was influenced by ancient Greek and Roman art. Chinese Buddhism incorporated elements of Daoism and Confucianism, and in Japan, Buddhism, an imported religion, merged with indigenous Shinto beliefs in a process known as Shinbutsu-shūgō (the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism).

The idea that nothing exists solely due to a single cause is what the Buddha taught as "All phenomena are without a self.” The "self" that we perceive does not exist independently; rather, it is sustained by countless interdependent factors. This principle applies to all things in existence. 

The United States is often described as a "salad bowl" or a "melting pot" of races, making it an excellent example of "All phenomena are without a self." The "melting pot" metaphor suggests that different races and cultures blend into a new, unified culture. In contrast, the "salad bowl" metaphor illustrates how America consists of people from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds, each maintaining their unique characteristics while coexisting harmoniously. This distinction highlights one of America’s strengths— embracing diversity while respecting individuality.

The same principle applies to the Buddhist Sangha. We must recognize and respect each other’s differences while striving for harmony. Let us once again return to the Buddhist truth of "All phenomena are without a self" and work to build a Sangha that truly embraces diversity. 

Gassho,

Rev. Yuki