Winding Down Summer With Successful Obon Season

As another year of summer festivals comes to a close, let us acknowledge all those who made this Obon season a roaring success. 

I’ve heard that attendance was up and food was in short supply at several temples. The “Lantern Song” Bon Odori, composed by the Bombu Stories group, was danced throughout the BCA. 

I can truly say, “We are back!” It’s been five years since the pandemic forced the shutdown of our traditional summer Obons. As the Buddhist “Hamilton” parody states, “We’ll be back, we’ll be grilling chicken teriyaki … our temples have endured so much but always thrive through boundless love. Namo Amida Butsu.”  

Check out this prescient YouTube video written by Rev. Todd Tsuchiya and performed by Koichi Mizushima: bit.ly/3Ue5Qj3

Ekoji’s Obon

I was able to attend the Obon festival at Ekoji Buddhist Temple in Fairfax Station, Virginia, outside of Washington, D.C., on July 12 and was deeply appreciative of the warm welcome I received by Supervising Minister Rev. Kurt Rye, Ekoji President Andrea Chapman, and Ekoji Obon Planning Team Brant and Maya Horio. 

The weather was hot and humid, which led to a line of severe thunderstorms that approached the temple. With lighting flashes getting closer, security personnel ordered all festivities to be halted. Everyone was ordered to take cover inside the Hondo. 

Moving an outdoor event into the Hondo and other indoor spaces was no small task and the Ekoji Obon Planning Team took it all in stride. Pivoting and taking advantage of the circumstances led to an impromptu musical performance by Bombu Stories (Miharu Okamura, Miko Shudo, Kendall Tani and Vicki Zhang). The crowd enjoyed the musical performance that made this Obon so special memory for many. 

These unexpected hurdles highlighted the impermanence of all things and the constant need to change and adapt. It was a powerful reminder that our Dharma teaches us to embrace flexibility and resilience.

As the skies lightened, the all-clear was given and the festival continued with games, food, taiko, Bon Odori and the candlelight service in the Ekoji garden. 

In the heat and humidity, Ekoji’s shaved ice was a delightful treat. The Fike family (Rob Fike is a Minister’s Assistant) operate the shaved ice at Ekoji and make it special with homemade azuki beans and matcha syrup along with an assortment of flavors. My shaved ice hit the spot. Special thanks go to Stephen Fike for making it so!

Ekoji’s Hatsubon service was held the next day, July 13, and was officiated by Rev. Erick Ishii, who reminded us that Obon is a time to remember those who have passed before us. 

While other Buddhist schools may view Obon as a period when the spirits of our ancestors return, our Shin Buddhist tradition offers a profound understanding: Our loved ones are always here with us. They continue to work on us, helping us to address the challenges, frustrations and sufferings we experience in our everyday lives. Their presence is a constant source of wisdom and encouragement.

I was honored to be mentioned as a special guest along with Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai America President Mikio Yamashita, and Carolyn Seeger and her husband Steve Seeger. The Seegers attended the Hatsubon service as representatives of the Tsuji family for their late mother, Sakaye Tsuji, who passed away on Feb. 14.

Rev Kenryu and Mrs. Sakaye Tsuji, along with BDK America and the BCA, are the pillars of the Ekoji Buddhist Temple, founded in 1981. It felt special to share in this Hatsubon for Mrs. Tsuji.

As I write this article in the latter half of July, I am looking forward to many other BCA Obon festivals in the coming weeks. Our BCA Music Committee has been a true catalyst, bringing our Obon traditions to the forefront. The introduction of new Bon Odori, the sharing of much-loved Bon Odori from other temples, and the joyous dancing of traditional Bon Odoris truly manifest Obon as “Kangie” (“Gathering of Joy”). It's a beautiful expression of our shared heritage and vibrant community.

Donor Appreciation

This month’s Wheel of Dharma includes the Donor Appreciation Issue, acknowledging and thanking the many members and non-members alike who have supported the BCA and the Institute of Buddhist Studies (IBS) over the past year. With the generosity of these individuals, foundations and organizations our future is bright.

I want to emphasize the importance of "Dharma Forward." This campaign is crucial for ensuring the future of both the Buddhist Churches of America and the IBS. Let us surpass our campaign goal to secure the longevity and continued impact of our institutions. My heartfelt appreciation goes out to all the donors who are making a significant difference with their generosity in supporting this campaign. If you haven’t yet participated, please consider a gift that will ensure that the Dharma will be heard for generations to come.

Looking Ahead

August signals the end of summer, and with it, the anticipation of what fall will bring: cooler, shorter days; the start of the new academic school year; the excitement of football; and the gradual slide into the year-end holidays. 

It’s a time of transition, much like our spiritual journey. There is much to work on at the BCA and in each of our temples and churches. I encourage you to do your part to step forward and make a difference in building community, supporting our ministers and welcoming new individuals to join us in the big tent of Shin Buddhism.