Obon Dancing, Red Dragonflies, & Our Temple Basement
We held our 2022 Obon/Hastubon service at the temple on June 10. It was an extra special Obon because it occurred in the wake of a major fire at our temple. The fire occurred in our basement on July 8th due to an electrical malfunction. We are still assessing damage, but we are pleased that our Onaijin (Altar) seems to have survived undamaged. These circumstances helped remind us of the teachings of impermanence and interconnection that are so fundamental to Buddhism. In Japan, Obon is an important season where the spirits of loved ones who have died return to their homes to join the living in feasting and dancing. Picture: Historic photo of Obon Dancing (courtesy of Seiko Go) Obon is also a time when people put aside their work and travel back from the cities to their family homes in the countryside. It is a homecoming, a time to reminisce and celebrate. It is a time to reflect on how interconnected we are with each other. It is a time to show our gratitude and love for our