Translation guide
A memorial service held on the anniversary of Buddha's passing, known as Nehan-e or Nirvana Day, observed in Mahayana Buddhism.
The main Buddhist memorial service held on February 15th (or the 15th day of the 2nd month in the lunar calendar) to commemorate the death of the historical Buddha.
The standard term for the Nirvana Day service. '涅槃' means nirvana, and '会' means gathering or service.
今日は涅槃会です。
Today is the Nirvana Day service.
A religious association or service group dedicated to the Nirvana Day observance; can also refer to the service itself.
涅槃講に参加する。
I participate in the Nirvana Day service.
Referring to the day itself or the concept of commemorating Buddha's passing, not necessarily a formal service.
Literally 'Buddha's extinction', referring to the day of Buddha's death. Often used in calendars to mark an inauspicious day, but in Buddhist context it means the anniversary.
In modern Japanese, 仏滅 is more commonly known as a calendar term for an unlucky day, not a religious service.
仏滅の日には法要が営まれる。
A memorial service is held on the day of Buddha's death.
A more colloquial way to refer to the anniversary of Buddha's death. 'お釈迦様' is a respectful term for Shakyamuni Buddha.
お釈迦様の命日にお寺に行く。
I go to the temple on the anniversary of Buddha's death.
In Japan, Nehan-e is observed primarily in Mahayana Buddhist sects on February 15th. It is not a public holiday, but temples hold special ceremonies. The term 涅槃会 specifically refers to the service, while 仏滅 is more of a calendar term.