The Birth of the Buddha & the Hana Matsuri Festival
🕙 April 8, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
🌸 Hana-mido (Flower Pavilion) Display: April 1 – 10 (in front of the Yakushi Main Hall)
April 8 is a special day in Buddhism—it marks the birth of Shakyamuni Buddha, the historical Buddha. At Ichibata Yakushi Temple, we celebrate by setting up a Hana-mido (Flower Pavilion) in front of the main hall from April 1 to April 10. This celebration is traditionally called Kanbutsu-e (“Bathing the Buddha Ceremony”), but because it coincides with the season of cherry blossoms in full bloom, it is more widely known as Hana Matsuri, the “Flower Festival.”
A small statue of the newborn Buddha is enshrined in the beautifully decorated Flower Pavilion. Visitors pour sweet hydrangea tea over the statue, a ritual that comes from an ancient legend: When the Buddha was born, nine dragons appeared in the sky and bathed him in pure, heavenly water. This “sweet rain” is symbolized by the tea we offer today.
The Story of the Buddha’s Birth
More than 2,500 years ago, during an era of warring kingdoms in ancient India, a long-awaited prince was born into the royal Shakya clan. His mother, Queen Maya, was on a journey to her homeland when she stopped to rest in the beautiful Lumbini Garden.
According to Buddhist tradition, after cleansing herself in a sacred bath, she walked twenty steps under the gentle sunlight. As she reached out her right hand to touch the vibrant red blossoms of an Ashoka tree, she gave birth to the prince.
It is said that as soon as he was born, the infant Buddha took seven steps on his own. Then, pointing one hand to the sky and the other to the earth, he declared:
“Tenjō Tenge, Yuiga Dokuson”
“In the heavens above and on the earth below, I alone am honored.”
This phrase does not mean that the Buddha saw himself as superior to others. Instead, it expresses a profound truth:
Each of us is born into this vast universe through the connections of countless causes and conditions.
Every life is unique and precious.
Our existence is not something to be taken for granted—it is a rare and extraordinary gift.
This is the message of life itself—a call to cherish our existence and live each moment with gratitude.