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.
The Buddhist Women’s Association (BWA) is the temple's primary service group and the heart of our Sangha. The women of the BWA regularly prepare food for church events and services, maintain the facilities, teach younger members the fine art of Japanese food preparation, and actively serve our local community. This strong nucleus of women has initiated and coordinated many social, cultural, and fundraising activities throughout BCF history, and has contributed greatly to the vitality of the church.
As wives, mothers and grandmothers, they have encouraged and helped their families to understand the importance of the Buddhadharma by making religious programs available to everyone while continuing to cultivate their own personal and spiritual well-being.