#Japan #Tokyo #Taisho University #Buddhism #Seido Meeting

Upcoming Seido Meeting at Taisho University

Taisho University, located in Toshima, Tokyo, is excited to announce the upcoming "Seido Meeting" scheduled for December 3, 2025. This event, steeped in tradition, is dedicated to honoring the enlightenment of the Buddha, offering a unique opportunity for students and the community to engage with Buddhist teachings.

What is the Seido Meeting?

The Seido Meeting, known in Japanese as "Jōdō-e," is a religious ceremony celebrating the moment when the Buddha attained enlightenment. At Taisho University, it serves as a platform for students, particularly those in the Department of Buddhist Studies, to lead the event, involving planning, management, and execution.

Theme for This Year

The theme for this year's event is "Buddhist Heart, Hearts in Harmony - The Path to Enlightenment Begins with a Single Step." This theme emphasizes the importance of sharing the spiritual essence of Buddhism, known as "Buddhist Heart," with a broader audience. It aims to spark interest and curiosity regarding Buddhist teachings and the journey of the Buddha towards enlightenment.

Event Highlights

The Seido Meeting promises to be a multi-sensory experience, with various activities planned throughout the day:

• - Procession (O-narimon): The event will commence with a ceremonial procession from Shinjō-ji Temple in Sugamo to the Taisho University campus. The procession will be accompanied by the melodious sounds of traditional Gagaku music and conch shells.
• - Joint Ceremonial Offering: Students from the university’s four founding sects: Tendai, Shingon, Jōdo, and Jishū will come together for a joint ceremonial offering, showcasing a communal spirit among diverse Buddhist teachings.
• - Culinary Delights: Participants will have the chance to taste traditional foods, such as the rice porridge believed to be consumed by the Buddha and warm chai to revive the body in the colder season.

This gathering will provide an opportunity for attendees to connect with Buddhism through sight, sound, and taste, fostering a deeper interest in the teachings of the Buddha.

Event Schedule

The day's activities are structured as follows:

• - 11:00 AM: Procession begins from Shinjō-ji Temple
• - 11:30 AM: Registration opens, along with student-led activities including food offerings, calligraphy demonstrations, and Ikebana displays.
• - 12:30 PM: The ceremonial offering commences in front of Building 8 on campus (in case of rain, it will be held in the 4th-floor worship hall of Building 8).
• - 1:00 PM: Conclusion of events.

About the Department of Buddhist Studies

Taisho University offers three majors within the Department of Buddhist Studies: Buddhist Studies, Buddhist Cultural Heritage Studies, and Religious Studies. These programs equip students with the knowledge of the teachings, history, and various doctrines of the founding sects while also nurturing human and social understanding. There's a vibrant exchange among international students studying Buddhism, broadening cultural perspectives and fostering international understanding.

About Taisho University

Founded in 1926, Taisho University is collaboratively managed by the four major Buddhist sects: Tendai, Shingon (both Toyozan and Chisan), Jōdo, and Jishū. The university upholds the founding principle of “Practicing Wisdom and Compassion,” reflecting the Bodhisattva path in Buddhism. This ethos empowers the institution to focus on four key educational goals rooted in Buddhist principles: compassion, self-illumination, the middle path, and coexistence. As the university approaches its centennial in 2026, it views this milestone as a second founding to further enhance educational and research activities.

For more information, visit the official website.