............. Obon in Jodo-Shinshu
Obon Service, depending on the lunar or the solar calendar, is usually observed in July or August. This service is called Gatehring of Joy. However, it is not the joy of getting what we desire. It is the joy of being shown the Truth of what we are. It is also the joy of the awareness of being embraced in the world of Amida or in Nembutsu: Namo-Amida-Butsu.
.......... Hatsu (first)-Bon Families
A special service for those who passed away after Obon Service last year. The family members offer incense showing respect and gratitude during the service. If you lost a beloved one since last Obon, you are invited to Hatsu-Bon Service.
In Gassho,
Origins of O-Bon
The original story is seen in "Ulambana" Sutra, which a filial Mogallana, one of 10 great disciplines of Shakamuni Buddha, was good at visualizing any world. One day, he looked for the whereabouts of his mother who had died. Sadly, he found her in the realm of Hungry Ghosts. She was suffering from terrible hunger. So he tried hard to save her while giving food, but every food became fire balls and she could not receive anything. Every time, it failed. Finally, he asked the Buddha for help. The Buddha recommended "sharing". He carefully gathered food from the land and sea, and sweets pile on a platter (bon) to offer to the Sangha. The Buddha also recommended "sharing" on July 15th, which was the last day of summer of the year. Thanks to virtues of Mogallana's practice of greedless sharing with the Sangha, his mother was freed from suffering. So he danced for joy. It is believed among people that his dancing is the origin of Bon-Odori. Nowadays, Bon-Odori dancing is one of community festivals during the summer in Japan and in the United States as well.
Ulam-bana means gradual suffering and slow pain when we are hung upside down. Bon means a tray which we put food on. The tray symbolized sharing, offering, and saving. This story tells us about causation of present greed and its future result.
Donations for White Elephant
It's that time again! Time to clean out your closets, attics, and garages for a great cause. Obon season is upon us (Aug. 7th) and we need your donations to make this year's White Elephant another smashing success.
Among all our usual requests, we're also asking for toys, baby clothes, games, books, artificial flowers, and anything JAPANESE. We welcome all donations, but please leave your cell phones, cameras, or large heavy items at home. Please delivery your donations to the SLO Buddhist Church by Sunday, July 31, 2010. Year after year, we are continually amazed by your generosity. Thank you in advance. If you have any questions, please call me. Let's make this year better than the last!
Donna Sato, Chairperson: 489-0531
............................................................................................................
Hana (Flower) Toban
... 7/04: Donna Sato
... 7/11: Motomi Sakamoto
... 7/18: K. Kagawa, E. Shishido, C. Okui
... 7/25: J. Dunn, R. Vines
... 8/01: T. Fujikawa, K. Obayashi
In Gassho, ......
Bon-Odori Dance Practice Dates:
July 8th
July 15th
July 22nd
July 29th
at 7:00pm
Come and Practice!
One Day Trip to San Jose Bon-Odori
Roy Nakai is in charge of this wonderful trip. It is scheduled for Saturday, July 10th, leaving from the SLO Temple at 9am
Please call Roy (
805 929-8379) if you would like to go. For Japanese speaking information, call Michiko Fujii (805 704-6995)
O-Juzu Workshop
Monday, July 26th, 7:30pm
Make your own Ojuzu
or fix a broken one
Also, on June 26th, we had a crew come out and help with the much needed cleaning of the Temple property. Thank you to Tom Guernsey, Rev. Fujii, Henry Okui, Barry Bridge, Ruth Vines, and Michiko Fujii. Thank you Mrs. Fujii for the delicious lunch!
June was a very busy month. A water pipe, in the kitchen area, leaked and made a mess! We are very thankful to those who fixed the leak (Barry Bridge, Tom Guernsey, and non-member John Magna) and those who helped cleaning (Janis and Alan Eto, Michi Nakai, Michiko and Rev. Fujii.
New Summer Activities Planned -
Every Tuesday and Thursday evening 6:30 - 8:00pm
Everyone is welcome to join, bring friends!
Cost: Free to members,
non-members: donation is suggested
Kendo, Samurai-ship, starts July 9th, 6pm
Instructor: Jason Carter, who is a professional Kendo Master
Come and see what Kendo is all about!