noun
equinoctial week; Buddhist equinoctial period
Refers to the seven-day period around the spring and autumn equinoxes when Japanese Buddhists visit graves and hold memorial services. Often used in the phrases 春の彼岸 (spring equinoctial week) and 秋の彼岸 (autumn equinoctial week).
春の彼岸には家族でお墓参りに行きます。
During the spring equinoctial week, we visit the family grave.
noun
Abbreviation of 彼岸会 (ひがんえ). Refers specifically to the Buddhist memorial services held during the equinoctial week.
See also: 彼岸会
お寺で彼岸の法要が営まれました。
A Buddhist equinoctial service was held at the temple.
noun
nirvana; the other shore
Buddhist term. Literally 'the other shore', referring to the state of enlightenment or nirvana, as opposed to 此岸 (しがん, 'this shore'), the world of suffering. Rare in everyday speech.
See also: 此岸
仏教では、彼岸は悟りの境地を表します。
In Buddhism, 彼岸 represents the state of enlightenment.
noun
opposite bank; far shore
Formal or literary term for the opposite bank of a river or shore of a body of water. Not used in everyday conversation; modern Japanese would normally use 向こう岸 or 対岸.
川の彼岸には古い神社が見えた。
On the opposite bank of the river, an old shrine was visible.