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 Florin YBA (Young Buddhist Association) is the youth group of the Buddhist Church of Florin and was organized to meet the needs of teens from grades 9 through 12. The YBA members participate in religious, athletic and social activities within the temple as well as district seminars, annual conferences, and sports tournaments.
Our group supports and takes an interest in all the activities of the church (such as the annual Mochi-tsuki, food bazaars, Obon Festival, and Hana Matsuri) and we chair Dharma School services throughout the year. We also actively support the community through our participation in various environmental, cultural, and social service projects.