December 31-January 6 Shusho Kai(New Year`s Accession)
Begun in the Kamakura Era, the Shusho Kai rounds out the year, dispensing with the less than fortunate events that have happened and enacting resolutnions for the New Year. It is a blessing ceremony for Peace and Security and lasts seven days.

January 3 Gansan Kai (Memorial for the 8th Zasu)
The 8th Tendai Zasu (Jiei Daishi) entered the post as Zasu, or Head Priest on January 3rd, 985 and was called Gansan Daishi

January 10 Kaho Kai (Fragrant Lotus Blessing)
The 4th Tendai Zasu (Jikaku Daishi) assumed the post of Zasu on January 10th, 862. Kaho is the name of the valley in which the Zasu was buried. This ritual pays homage to the passing of the 4th Zasu, Ennin.

jANUARY 26 Kaishu Kinen Hoyo (Memorial Service for the Opening of the Sect)
On January 26th, 806, the Tendai Sect formally opened within Japan.

February 3 Setsubun Kai (First Day of Spring Service)
A prayer for the peace and safety of the country`s people, celebrated on the day dividing winter and spring (according to the old calender). Brought directly from China, it was transmitted to Japan. Nowadays, people toss beans into the eyes of masked demons to drive away evil and bad luck.

February 15 Nehan Kai (Anniversary of the Buddha`s Paranirvana {Passing Away})
A ceremony in rememberance of the historical Buddhas Shakyamuni`s teaching and passing away. Nehan means nirvana and signifies the total conversion of all impurites and stains.

February 22 Taishi Ko (Lecture on the Shotoku Taishi)
A ceremony in rememberance of one of the patrons of Japanese Buddhism, Shotoku Taishi (574-622). Enthrowned as Emperor in 593, he took a very personal interest in the affairs of Buddhism both in his own country as well as abroad andwrote three commentaries upon the Hokke Gisho (Fa-hua-i-su; a four-fascile commentary upon the Lotus Sutra), the Shoman Gisho (Sheng-man-ching; a one or three fascile commentary upon the Shoman-gyo, which transmits the teachings of the Mahayana one-vehicle school) and the Yuima Gisho (Vimalakirta-nirdesa; a commentary upon the same sutra which portrays the movement of laymen during the Mahayana school`s evolution).

March 17 Tenno Go (Lectures upon the Emperor)
A ceremony held in reverence for the Emperor`s guidance in opening the Tendai Sect within Japan.

March & September Higan E (Equinox Service)
A service held for one week before both the Spring and Fall Equinox, the purpose of which is to cleanse away our sins and stains.

April 8 Kanbutsu Kai (Shakyamuni Buddha`s Birthday Service)
The Kanbutsu Kai ceremony celebrates the birth of the historical Buddha and is also called the Hana Matsuri, or Flower Festival.

June 4 Sange E (Day of Recollection for Dengyo Daishi)
Two branches of the Tendai sect split during the Sund Dynasty. The 11th Chinese Tendai patriarch had two disciples, I`chi and Chih-yin, whose views were not parallel. Thus, they seperated and formed two school, those of the mountain (Sange) and those off the mountain (Sangai). Chih-I`s own teaching s were referred to as Sange teachings, those which would pass on to Saicho.

July 15, August Urabon Kai (Oblation to the Three Treasures and Assisting the Hungry Ghosts)
The Obon Ritual celebrates the Three Treasues of Buddhism in the hopes of saving the hungry ghost spirits. Originally, it was a ceremony of offering food to the monks following the completion of the rainy season. Ullambana, Uraobon in Sanskrit, means hanging upside down and signifies that the hungry spirits have as much pain as if they were suspended upside down.

Segaki Kai (Feeding of the Hungry Ghosts)
The Segaki rite feeds the wandering hungry ghosts (or deceased spirits) who revolve within the Three Worlds, attempting to shine the Holy Light of the Dharma upon their lost paths.

August 18 Shuso Gotan E (Celebration of the Birth of the Sect Founder)
A ritual in celebration of the birth of the Sect Founder, Dengyo Daishi, who it is said was born near the present ShogenJi Temple in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture.

October 2 Jigen Ko (Rememberance of Jigen Daishi)
Jigen Diashi (1536-1643) or Tenkai, was fundamental during the Edo Era in expanding Tendai Buddhism. He passed away on October 2, 1643 and in 1648 was granted the posthumous title of Jigen Daishi.

October 29 Chisho Daishi E (Rememberance of the 5th Zasu, Enchin)
Chisho Daishi, the 5th Zasu founded the Jimon branch of the Tendai Sect and died on October 29, 891. On this day, the Dai Mandara Ku ceremony is performed.

November 24 Shimokki E (November Ritual)
Rememberance of the Chinese Tendai Third Patriarch Chigi (Chih-I 538-597), who passed away on November 24, 597. From 798, the founder of the Japanese Tendai Sect, Dengyo Daishi started the Hokke Juko ritual atop Mt. Hie, which has continued to this day.

December 8 Jodo E (The Celebration of the Attainment of Buddhahood)
A ritual to honor the enlightenment attained by the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, some 2400 years ago.