Obon Festival! Living and Dying in Buddhism*

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2 Obon Festival! Living and Dying in Buddhism* The story of Obon originated in ancient India and by way of China came to influence Japanese Buddhism from earliest times. Moggallana, a disciple of the Buddha, liberates his deceased mother from the hell of hungry ghosts by serving a meal to his fellow disciples. Prince Shotoku introduced Buddhism to Japan and established Obon as a major festival in the 7 th century. Obon marked central concerns of ancient agrarian Japanese: ancestors and fertility. Because the ancestor cult was so prevalent in Japan, all traditions had to include such practices in their services. This can be seen clearly even in Shin Buddhism (Palo Alto s sect) although Shinran (Shin founder) had declared that he never said Nembutsu (expression of gratitude for Amida Buddha s boundless compassion) once out of filial piety for his parents. Shinran rejected the concept of ransom or transfer of merit to liberate the dead. He trusted in the absolute, boundless compassion of Amida Buddha to bring all beings to enlightenment no matter how evil. In terms of funerals, Shinran went so far as to disregard special treatment for the dead when he declared that his body was to be thrown into the Kamo River as food for the fish. After Shinran, the third Abbot Kakunyo had counseled members not to make the funeral the central event in Shin Buddhism. Yet, like other sects, funerals became a prominent feature among Shin temple religious services. But Shin Buddhism reinterpreted the services for the dead to respond to the need for spiritual consolation in such critical moments by developing memorial services to show respect for the ancestors. The emphasis in the services is how the deceased has benefited our lives and expressed the compassion of Amida Buddha. For Shin Buddhism, as well as other sects, the Amida Buddha s compassion reaches us in many ways: through nature, family and community. According to Shin belief, rather than liberating the ancestors as in the Indian story, it is the ancestors who liberate us through their love and compassion in life. Though we focus on this aspect of life once a year, it is really a matter for everyday reflection. According to Japanese tradition, the ancestors return to commune with their descendents during this season. However, in actuality, the ancestors, our parents and loved ones, as well as the many others who shape our modern life, have never left. We live in the light of their contributions. Obon is consequently a time for recognizing our responsibility to life and not merely the marking of death and separation. The spirit of Obon expresses our awareness of our connectedness to others in the web of human life and nature which provide the foundations for our spiritual life. It challenges us to nurture our faith and encourages a sense of responsibility and humility in our responses to the awesome questions of life and death emerging from our technocratic culture. As a Sangha, a spiritual community, and as individuals, we should seek the flexibility and compassion that will enhance the life of all people. *Edited version. The PABT is grateful to Dr. Alfred Bloom for permitting us to print this edited version of his article which appeared in the Hawaii Pacific News, June 15, Readers are urged to go to and read the article in its original form.

3 All day Saturday and Sunday Information about Buddhism and the Palo Alto Buddhist Temple... Resident minister Rev. Dr. William T. Masuda, Glenn Kameda, Margaret Blair, Dr. Tsukasa Matsueda and Don Gee will be available in the Hondo to answer questions. EXHIBITS BONSAI Akebono Bonsai Club Peninsula Bonsai Club Bonsai, the art of growing miniature trees and plants, is a manifestation of the Japanese people s love of nature. Buddhism emphasizes that people exist as integral parts of nature and the universe. The object of bonsai is to capture the grandeur and beauty of nature on a very reduced scale. SUISEKI Kashu Suiseki Kai Palo Alto Suiseki is a traditional cultural art form developed by the Japanese, who have a deep appreciation of nature. Suiseki is the enjoyment of viewing a stone in its natural form, set on a suiban (thin ceramic tray) or a wooden stand. The essence of suiseki is spiritual. The contemplation of the stone as a symbol of nature relaxes the mind from the pressures of complex daily life and allows people to retain their sense of values. The importance of life in its simplest form is reflected through the beauty, strength and character of the stone. IKEBANA Ikenobo, Nothern California Chapter, South Bay Group Mme. Yoshiko Lesage, Instructor Ikebana, the art of flower arranging, has its origins in a Buddhist Monastery where a monk, after a severe storm, gathered together broken branches from trees and placed them in water as an expression of compassion. Today, ikebana is the art of arranging flowers as living creations, not merely in an elegant style, but giving flowers, in a vessel, the suggestion of nature and evoke a wide range of human feelings.. 30th ANNUAL CHILDREN S ART FESTIVAL Pictures created by children who attended Bon Odori practice are exhibited on the wall in the Hall. LIFE OF BUDDHA A series of paintings rendered by Palo Alto artist Lorraine Capparell is exhibited in the Hondo.

4 Saturday, August 2, 2008 The Obon Festival will open with the tolling of the bell (Kansho) by Resident Minister, the Rev. Dr. William T. Masuda. This will be followed by the opening service. 5:00 pm Tolling of the Bell Buddhist Service by the Rev. Dr. William T. Masuda 5:15 pm Mini Talk by a lay member of the Palo Alto Buddhist Temple 5:30 pm Buddhist Video Presentation 6:00 pm "Jodo Shinshu Temples in the USA" presentation 6:30 pm Japanese Folk and Other Music and Dance Palo Alto Minyo/Taishogoto Traditional as well as Japanese folk music and dance will be performed by this group using shamisen and taishogoto, both stringed instruments, as accompaniment. Minyo, Japanese folk music, reflects the way of life of the various regions of Japan. The group will also play songs, both Japanese and American, some of which may be familiar to the audience. 6:30 pm Japanese Cooking Demonstration Sherri Kawazoye Sherri Kawazoye is highly respected for her superb cooking skills in the Palo Alto Buddhist Temple community. She is particularly renown for her delicious and creative desserts made of traditionally Japanese ingredients. She will be demonstrating their preparation as well as sharing helpful hints. She will be assisted by her daughters, Elisha Davis and Jill Burns. 7:30 pm Koto and Shakuhachi Performance Kanow Matsueda, Shakuhachi Sofu-kai Sofu-kai is a newly formed group, whose name derives from "So," the Japanese character for "koto" which can also be read "so," "fu," the character for "wind" as in "woodwind," and "kai," the word for group. Mizuho Watanabe, Julie Sumida and Noriko Manchu are the koto players and Kinya Gyofu Watanabe and Kanow Matsueda are the shakuhachi players. Sofu-Kai's goal is to expose the general public to classical Japanese music by combining modern along with traditional classics with the hopes that this will result in a nostalgic and enjoyable experience for the audience as well as players.

5 Saturday, August 2, 2008 "cont.# 8:00 pm Jazz Interlude "Bad Karma"(Palo Alto Buddhist Temple Dharma School Combo) Tyler Montgomery will be heard on tenor saxophone, guitar, ukulele, keyboard and vocals; Mark O'Connell on bass, guitar, ukulele and vocals; and Casey O'Connell on drums. Brandon Yanari, charter member of "Bad Karma," will make a guest appearance on the keyboard. Other guests are Kristin Montgomery on flute; and Alyssa Yoshida and Kelsi Kobara on the keyboard. 8:30 pm Buyo (Japanese Classical Dance) Mme. Toyoko Kawamoto Mme. Cindy Sakai Kim Mme. Toyoko Kawamoto will be dancing to Ayame Yukata, a song written about Yoshizawa Ayame, at the time he became a famous actor. He designed his own yukata (Japanese summer garment). The dance portrays the joyful Boy's Day Festival held in May. Haruno Shirabe, the dance performed by Mme. Cindy Sakai Kim, depicts young and old alike reveling in the wonders of spring and viewing Cherry blossoms, which symbolize the celebration of life and the boundless exuberance of life. Mme Kim is a student of Mme. Emimaisei Hanayagi, who is associated with the Hanayagi dance organization of Emi no Kai. 9:00 pm Kendo Demonstration (Japanese Fencing) Palo Alto Kendo Dojo Walter Hashimoto, Chief Instructor, Kyoshi, 7th dan George Nishiura, Assistant Instructor, Renshi, 6th dan Frank Lin, 4th dan, Assistant Instructor Yoon Chung, 4th dan, Assistant Instructor Arthur Leong, 4th dan, Assistant Instructor Hiro Ichimura, 4th dan, Assistant Instructor Akiyo Kawamura, 4th dan, Assistant Instructor Kendo (the Way of the Sword) is derived from the techniques and traditions of samurai swordsmanship. It is a modern budo (martial way), which no longer makes killing its main focus due to the influence of Buddhism and Taoism. Consequently, kendo has evolved from a "lifetaking sword" to become a "life-saving sword" art which emphasizes etiquette, self-discipline, character building, physical fitness, perseverance, compassion, and friendship in order to facilitate peace and harmony. Kendo teaches the precept of "ki ken tai ichi" (spirit, sword, body as one) not only to execute the correct techniques, but ultimately to teach "oneness" with everyone and everything in the universe. Thus, the goals of kendo are not for self defense or violence, but are the same path as those who practice tea ceremony (chado) and flower arranging (kado).

6 Sunday, August 3, noon Taiko Herald and Buddhist Service PABT Dharma School Taiko (Pam Murotsune, Instructor) PABT Adult Taiko (Meg Suzuki, Instructor) Amy Yoshida, Coordinator Drums have an ancient association with Buddhism. In 261 BC the Emperor Ashoka of India embraced Buddhism and renounced war. In an edict carved in stone, Emperor Ashoka proclaimed that the conch and drum would no longer be used in war, but rather, would signify the Dharma (teachings of the Buddha). Thus, from this early period in history, Buddhists have come to look upon the conch and the drum as symbolizing the unwavering majesty of the voice of the Buddha and the profundity of his teachings. Pam Murotsune, a member of San Jose Taiko, is the instructor of the PABT Dharma School Taiko, the seasoned veteran ensemble. It is composed of students ranging from elementary school to college and includes a Dharma School teacher. They play regularly at Temple functions. Meg Suzuki, also a member of San Jose Taiko, is the fearless instructor of the PABT Adult Taiko Group, which comprises women whose ages span roughly 35 years. Following the Taiko Herald, the opening service will be conducted by the resident minister, the Rev. Dr. William T. Masuda, in the Hondo. 12:30 pm Buddhist Service by the Rev. Dr. William T. Masuda 12:45 pm Mini Talk by a lay member of the Palo Alto Buddhist Temple 1:00 pm Buddhist Video Presentation 1:30 pm "Jodo Shinshu Temples in the USA" presentation 1 4 pm Origami and Furoshiki* Gift Wrapping Demonstration Vicky Mihara, Origami master and friends Vicky Mihara is an award-winning origami instructor and has taught at museums, festivals, and public events. She is recognized as one of the masters of the art of paper folding. Her giftwrapping skills have resulted in her appearance on "Good Morning, America" and the "Martha Stewart Show." She will be available for a "hands-on" demonstration of origami and Japanese gift-wrapping with furoshiki. *Furoshiki is a square piece of fabric the Japanese use to bundle items together.

7 Sunday, August 3, 2008 "cont.# 3:00 pm Koto, Shamisen & Shakuhachi Performance (Jpn. stringed instruments and flute) Chikushi Kai Koto Muramoto Studio--Oakland The shamisen is an old three-stringed instrument that developed from the classical Japanese stringed instrument, the biwa. It resembles a banjo with a long neck. It is about 30 inches long. Shamisen music frequently is heard in connection with geishas, the Kabuki theater, or the bunraku (puppet) theater. Please see koto and shakuhachi descriptions on page 5. 4:30 pm Aikido Demonstration (Martial Art) Bill Witt, Shihan, 7th dan In Aikido, one neither attacks nor allows oneself to be harmed. This is accomplished by blending with the attacking force and then redirecting it back to the attacker's center. This is manifested most often as a throw or takedown. 5:30 pm Taiko Performance (Japanese Drums) San Jose Taiko PJ Hirabayashi, Creative Director Roy Hirabayashi, Managing Director San Jose Taiko originated as a group from the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin thirty-five years ago. In the ensuing years they have earned critical acclaim both nationally and internationally. They have appeared in Carnegie Hall as well as other venues throughout the country and abroad. San Jose Taiko has also earned awards for both their artistic and managerial excellence. Their members are accomplished composers as well as performers and write virtually all the pieces they perform. They have also collaborated with internationally as well as nationally renowned groups. "Ei Ja Nai Ka" one of the Obon dances which will be performed this evening was written by P.J. Hirabayashi, San Jose Taiko's Creative Director. Please refer to the previous page for the explanation for how drums relate to Buddhism. 6:30 pm Japanese Music Janice Terakawa, vocalist Janice Terakawa has won many singing awards and has been featured on a number of music shows on Japanese national television. She is currently working on a CD, the proceeds of which will go towards teaching materials for children with special needs. This evening she will treat us to some tunes made famous a half century ago by perennial favorite vocalist, Misora Hibari.

8 Sunday, August 3, 2008 "cont.# 7:30 pm Bon Odori Program Instructor: Mme. Hanayagi Jumasuga ( Marjorie Nakaji) And Assistants 1. Shinshu Ondo (Round fan) (Dance honoring the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist sect) This ondo (dance) was written for the Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism (of which Palo Alto Buddhist Temple is a member). Iwai Hanshiro, Headmaster of the Iwai School of Dance in Tokyo choreographed it. 2. One Plus One Ondo! (Hands) "One Plus One" refers to any two people---husband and wife, two friends, parent and child, etc. This snappy ondo was danced at the World Convention of the Buddhist Women's Association when it was held in Anaheim. 3. Furusato Yosakoi Odori (Towel) (Dance of One s Hometown) Many Japanese migrate to the big cities for employment opportunities. But many remember their roots at New Year s and the Obon season and return to their furusato or hometowns. 4. Hanabi Ondo (Kachi-kachi: Japanese Castanets) Hanabi is the Japanese word for fireworks. Literally translated, it is "flower fire." The castanets and hand motions all simulate hanabi as well as drumming. The Japanese have an ancient tradition of including fireworks in their celebrations. 5. Ei ja nai ka? (Hands only) (Literal translation: "Isn't it good?" Ei ja nai ka? was inspired by the folk festivals of Japan, particularly Kokura Gion Matsuri of Kyushu, and Awa Odori of Shikoku. Festivals have a special gift for calling people: "Come gather together, forget about the clamor and frenzy of daily life, live for the moment, and release the beckoning spirit from within." And with this invocation, we can briefly stop and remind ourselves, "Ei ja nai ka?" 6. Kawachi Otoko Bushi (Fan or Uchiwa) Mme. Jumasuga Hanayagi decided to add this dance to this evening s program after observing members of a nursing home in Japan dancing it with enthusiasm and joy. The song gained popularity after Nakamura Mitsuko s rendering during an appearance on the highly esteemed Japanese NHK Red and White Singing Competition. Ms. Janice Terakawa will be on stage to sing it for us this evening.

9 Sunday, August 3, 2008 "cont.# 7. Shiawase Samba* (Hands only) Shiawase Samba was created by a Jodo Shinshu temple minister in Oahu, Hawaii. He felt fortunate and happy because of the workings of the compassion and wisdom of Amida Buddha. 8. Soran Bushi (Towel) Until the early 1900s, each spring, herring fishing brought thousands of migrant workers to Hokkaido, Japan's northern island. Songs accompanied each stage of fishing, such as rowing and net-hauling. "Soran Bushi" was sung while transferring the herring from large drift-nets into small taxi-boats with giant hand-nets. This dance simulates the fishermen s work. 9. Tanko Bushi (Hands only) (Coal Miner s Dance) A folk dance of Fukuoka-ken in Kyushu, Japan, the song was hummed by some resident foreigners and gained popularity among the native Japanese. Today, many tourists to Japan are taught this dance when they visit. It is simple and pantomimic in choreography. This is an example of a traditional folk dance as done in Japan. 10. Obon no Uta (Round fans) (Song of Obon) Obon no Uta is a joyous dance, for it brings us together with everyone, past and present. Those who have passed away remain a part of us. The round fan which is used in the dance, and the circles which are formed with our arms as we dance in a circle, all symbolically reinforce the interdependence of everyone, past-lives as well as present-lives with no beginning and no end. Obon no Uta was first heard in Japan on the occasion of the Pan Pacific Young Buddhists' Association Conference in 1934, when the Tsukiji Buddhist Temple was established. All delegates were taught by William "Chick" Teramoto. Among the delegates was Helen Iwasaki, who was to later gave birth to Mme. Jumasuga Hanayagi (Marjorie Nakaji), our Bon Odori instructor. Ryan Yoshida was inspired by the late Howard Uyeda. when he created the design on the cover of this booklet.

10 Cultural Program Schedule Saturday, August 2, :00 p.m. Tolling of the Bell Hondo Buddhist Service by the Rev. Dr. William T. Masuda Hondo 5:15 p.m. Mini-talk by Lay Speaker Hondo 5:30 p.m. Buddhist Video Presentation Hondo 6:00 p.m. Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples in the U.S. presentation 6:30 p.m. Minyo/Taishogoto (Japanese folk music and dance) Hall 6:30 p.m. Japanese Dessert Cooking Demonstration Issei Hall 7:30 p.m. Shakuhachi/Koto Performance (Jpn. flute and harp) Hondo 8:00 p.m. Jazz Combo Outdoor Stage 8:30 p.m. Buyo Performance (Japanese classical dance) Hall 9:00 p.m. Kendo Demonstration (Japanese fencing) Hall Sunday, August 3, noon Taiko Herald Outdoors 12:30 p.m. Buddhist Service: the Rev. Dr. William T. Masuda Hondo 12:45 p.m. Mini-Talk by Lay Person 1:00 p.m. Buddhist Video Presentation 1:30 p.m. Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples in the U.S. presentation 1-4 p.m. Hands-on Origami Demo & Furoshiki Gift-wrap Demo Issei Hall 3:00 p.m. Koto, Shamisen and Shakuhachi Performance Hall (Japanese stringed instruments and flute) 4:30 p.m. Aikido Demonstration (Japanese martial art) Hall 5:30 p.m. Taiko Performance (Japanese drums) Outdoor Stage 6:30 p.m. Japanese Popular Music Outdoor Stage 7:30 p.m. Bon Odori (Buddhist dancing) Outdoor

11 Obon Festival Map

12 Hatsubon We dedicate this Obon to those who passed away since the last Obon Service. We share the grief of the families who observed Hatsubon, the first Obon Service since the passing of their loved ones. We also express our gratitude to them for being a part of our lives. Chieko Kawasaki May 27, August 4, 2007 Yoko Doi July 7, August 21, 2007 Mabel Taga April 15, August 26, 2007 Kay Takahashi October 14, September 13, 2007 George Fukui September 15, September 18, 2007 Chizu Frances Matsumoto May 5, September 11, 2007 Yoshio Matsumoto May 15, November 29, 2007 Torae Iida May 31, December 2, 2007 Grace Ikeda September 26, December 7, 2007 Hayato Sukekane April 15, January 4, 2008 Eleanor Kubo October 19, January 22, 2008 Yoshitaka Albert Nakai October 10, February 9, 2008 Zensaku Shishido November 11, February 26, 2008 Howard Uyeda August 24, March 16, 2008 George Yuki February 20, April 19, 2008 Toriye Watanabe November 3, May 18, 2008 Mary Osugi March 12, June 3, 2008 Lois Takaoka February 23, June 27, 2008 Palo Alto Buddhist Temple 2751 Louis Road, Palo Alto, California (650) paloaltobt1@sbcglobal.net

A Tribute to Queen Lili uokalani on the Occasion of Her 100 th Memorial Service at Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin, October 30, 2016

The following message was delivered by Bishop Eric Matsumoto, Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii. A Tribute to Queen Lili uokalani on the Occasion of Her 100 th Memorial Service at Honpa Hongwanji Hilo