In the northern hemisphere, the autumn equinox signals the official start of autumn and offers a time to reflect on the impermanence of life and the cycles of nature. In Buddhism, this period is celebrated with the holiday Higan (対岸), which lasts seven days—three days before and after the equinox. Higan, meaning "the other shore," refers to the Buddha’s world, a land of purity and bliss, in contrast to Samsara, "this shore," representing the cycle of birth and death in the material world. It is also a time to honor ancestral wisdom and connect with the deeper truths of existence.
During Higan, people honor loved ones who have passed away by visiting and cleaning family graves, offering gifts such as incense, flowers, or food. It is also a time for reflection on our own lives and the impermanence of all things.
As the leaves change color and fall during this season, they serve as a beautiful reminder of how we too can gracefully let go of what no longer serves us. Fall is an ideal time to quiet the chatter of the mind and embrace the wisdom of our ancestors.
One way to connect with this sense of impermanence and ancestral wisdom is through aromatherapy meditation. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
- Gather your meditation props: a meditation cushion, zafu, and incense (or practice on the floor with no props).
- Prepare your space: Light the incense and place it in an incense holder.
- Begin meditation: Sit upright, close your eyes, and hold the memory of a loved one who has passed. Focus on your breath, allowing the scent of the incense to create space between your thoughts.
- Deepen your awareness: Let the aroma guide you toward deeper clarity and openness, listening for the guidance of your ancestors.
- Conclude: Meditate until the incense has burned out. Afterward, take time to journal any thoughts or reflections that emerge.
The autumn equinox and Higan remind us of life’s natural cycles, offering a time to reflect on impermanence and honor our ancestors. By embracing mindfulness and practices like aromatherapy meditation, we can let go of what no longer serves us and connect with deeper wisdom. This season invites us to welcome change and find renewal in both nature and ourselves.