It’s summer and Obon time! Obon is the time we reflect on our departed ancestors’ hardships and sacrifices. Without them, we would not have our wonderful temple and sangha.
Our Obon service will be on July 20 at 3 p.m. Socho (Bishop) Kodo Umezu will be our guest speaker. A brief service in the Nokotsudo will also be held. Following the service, there will be a showing of the film “Streams of Light”. This film chronicles the history of the Buddhist Churches of America and its dedication in spreading the Dharma in the United States.
In addition to the film, there will be martial arts demonstrations, ukulele and taiko performances. Cultural exhibits will include Bonsai, temari, origami, Ikebana, and card making. YABA will have food available as well as obento (pre-order only) made by BWA. The festivities will culminate with Obon Odori beginning at 7:30 pm.
Don’t forget to invite friends and family to the festivities. Let’s make this year’s Obon a “Gathering of Joy” for all who attend.
PLANNING A WEDDING?
A wedding is one of the most important starting points for a couple who will share their lives together. Reverend Sugahara is from Japan and can give you an idea of what a traditional Japanese style wedding would be like--such as a sake ceremony. The traditional Buddhist chant is really beautiful and if you are seriously thinking about getting married in the Sacramento area, you might want to talk to Reverend Sugahara about it. He performs traditional Buddhist weddings as well as weddings with humanistic vows for couples who are of different faiths and of the same-sex.
The vows can be exchanged in English or Japanese or both. Our Hondo is a beautiful setting for a wedding. But then, a wedding could just as well be held in a vineyard or on a hot air balloon.
To schedule an appointment with Rev. Sugahara, please contact us by email or phone.