August 2026
OBON and GRATITUDE
I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who made our 2026 Obon such a success! One estimate suggested that 200+ people attended and, I’m confident, lasting memories were made by all. As I reflect back, a few specific sights and sounds reveal the power of not only Obon, but the dharma teachings that flow through everything that we do.
Laughter – When darting to and from the church office, my pace was punctuated by the sound of delighted laughter emanating from the library. Ostensibly, the space was designated as a changing room for ladies to don their vibrant yukata or kakan and dujin, the attire for the exquisite dance from Okinawa in honor of Mrs. Emi Uyehara. But that fleeting laughter stemmed from friends reuniting, nostalgia for obon back in the day, or the simple (but special) ritual of putting on treasured articles of clothing for the first time in one year. The laughter that flowed from that small room indicated the kind of connection that we feel fully awakening to and appreciating the happiness of oneness, but also the truth of impermanence.
Smiles – Though the smiles were abundant in every corner of the temple grounds, I remember a young man who beamed from ear-toear throughout the day. It seemed as if this might have been his first visit to an obon and his exuberance was infectious as he dove right into bon odori. To some, his steps may have been imperfect, but the alacrity with which he reached to the sky, scooped coal during Tanko Bushi, and mimicked the gentle waves of the Pacific in Hawai’i Ondo, embodied our ideal of shedding our ego to uncover moments of bliss. In that sense, he radiated perfection.
Clapping Along – As our friends from Togen Daiko shook the skies with their drumming, I was drawn to a temple elder who I hadn’t seen in over a year. I recognized her from our last encounter, but also from seeing her in photos as an active sangha member going all the way back to the 1960s. Seated in her walker, it appeared that she had slowed down since our last meeting. But in that moment, taking in the taiko with so many of her senses, I could tell she was spellbound. She eagerly clapped along, keeping the same precise beat as the drummers. It seemed like that instance was perfect for her: all she needed to do was sit utterly transfixed by the reverberations of the drums. This mindfulness, feeling things as they arise, is something to which we can all aspire.
I hope you look back at your Obon memories and feel joy within and feel inspired by the joy that was all around you!
Namo Amida Butsu!
REV. JP DEGUZMAN
WHAT THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF OBON TEACH US ABOUT BUDDHISM