July 12th – July 16th, 2025 is Summer-Middle of SHOSHO (lesser heat)-32nd KOU “First HASU (lotus) blossoms.”
The HASU flower has a deep connection with Buddhist teaching, it is depicted in paintings of paradise, and the pedestal on which the Buddha sits or stands is made of HASE flowers.
Originally, the idea of the SHICHIJUNIKOU was invented in ancient China, so it is not surprising that Buddhist ideas were incorporated into it.
When one thinks of temples in SHINSHU Region, the first thing that comes to mind is the famous ZENKOJI Temple (NAGANO City).
Every morning at the Temple, a memorial service called “OASA-JI” is held. The service begins with sunrise and series of the service end around 7 o’clock.
Interestingly, HASU flowers also begin to open lowly around sunrise, reach full bloom between 7 – 9 in the morning, and then return to buds before noon.
