The annual Obon service is scheduled for Sunday, June 9, 2013, with a speaker, the Reverend Koho Takata, Resident Minister of the Arizona Buddhist Temple, guiding us through this reflective time. The members of Arizona Buddhist Temple and their families are invited to attend the Bon Service which is one of the Six Major Services in the Hongwanji tradition.

The term Bon is an abbreviation of a Japanese Buddhist term “Urabon,” which is derived from the Sanskrit term “Ullumbana.” “Ullumbana” means to be liberated from a spiritual state of pain and hunger caused by greediness, one of three blind desires.

Even as we reflect on the sorrowful consequence of basic human defilement, we, as Jodo Shinshu Buddhists, joyfully reflect on the Primal Power of Amida Buddha which has been fulfilled, thus enabling us to live in gratitude. Bon Service is called the Gathering of Joy in Shin Buddhist tradition, instead of being merely called “Memorial Service.”

It=s Bon Dance time again!  The Arizona Buddhist Temple will hold its annual Bon Dance on Saturday, June 8 at 6:30PM.  Arizona Buddhist Temple will be alive with Bon Dances, complete with drum beats, singing and circles of dancers wearing kimomo and happi coat.     

Obon, as one of the most popular of the Buddhist observances known to non-Buddhists, it is seen as an observance solely dedicated to the departed.  However, Obon is also deeply tied with the present.  As we reminisce about our departed loved ones, we can clearly understand the interdependency of all life and things.  

The origins of Obon can be traced to the Ulambana Sutra that relates the story of Mokuren, the most gifted the Shakyamuni Buddha=s disciples in the area of extraordinary sense perceptions.  A very good son, Mokuren, one day used his extraordinary powers to visualize the whereabouts of his mother who had died.  Searching all the realms, from the highest of the heavens to the lowest of the hells, his mother was in the realm known as world of hungry ghosts.  With his powers again, he filled a bowl with food and sent it to his mother.  The food burst into flames each time she put it to her mouth.  Finding himself helpless in aiding his mother, he ran to the Shakyamuni Buddha seeking help.

The Shakyamuni Buddha tells Mokuren that he needs the combined help of all the monks to help his mother.  He was told to bring offerings of food at the end of the rainy season.  The rainy season was from the 15^th of April to the 15^th of July.  They were to stay in one place to listen to the Buddha=s talks, study, and meditate.  Mokuren made the prescribed offerings and his mother and seven generations of his ancestors were relieved of their sufferings.  He was so overjoyed that he clapped his hands and danced for joy.  This is the beginning of Bon Dance.  So, Obon is called Athe gathering of joy.@

Most people tend to believe that the significance of the Obon lies in the fact that the spirits of the departed will be returned and saved through the services, offerings, dances, and so forth.  However, this is not the case as it is beyond our power to save those who have fallen into hell like above story which is the only literature which relates the Obon.  

Pure Land Shin Buddhism does not look upon Obon as the time when the souls or spirits of one’s ancestors return.  It is rather a time to remember and honor all those who have passed on before us.  It is to appreciate all that they have done for us and to recognize the continuation of the influence of their deeds upon our lives.   

The true significance of the Obon lies in the rededication of ourselves to the Buddhist way of life by reflecting upon us.   Obon is a time for self-reflection.  Let us endeavor to rededicate ourselves to live our life to its fullest in the light and wisdom of the Nembutsu, Namo-Amidabutsu, and show our gratitude to our departed loved ones throughout the Bon Dances and in our daily lives.