2010 Monterey Peninsula Bon Odori Festival (Sunday only)NEW

The 2009 Monterey Peninsula Bon Odor Festival (Japanese Obon)
This year we are observing our annual Obon with the yearly Bon Odori on July 12th and the Hatsubon (First Obon) service on July 19th.  The tradition of Obon dates back to the time of the Buddha.  The legend of Obon began with the disciple Mokuren (Mogallana) whose powers of insight allowed him to view other worlds.  While in deep meditation he is shocked to see his mother suffering in the lower realm of the Gaki or hungry ghosts. Mogallana goes to the Buddha and asks how he can relieve her suffering.

Shakyamuni Buddha then said, 'Mokuren, after your mother's death, she fell into the path of hunger because of her greed. Your mother always persisted in wanting to have material things. She only thought of herself, and because she never cared about others, she is now receiving her punishment. This is called 'Jigo-Jitoku' which means that one creates one's own karma and one's own benefits. There is nothing that you can do to save her. If you want to help her, the only thing to do is to go to the Ango (this was a building where priests would go to perform their Buddhist austerities during the summer rainy season in India) on July fifteenth. At that time there will be many priests. Please make offerings of one hundred foods and beverages (rice, fruit, vegetables, sweets, water, etc.) to these sacred priests.' [1]

The Buddha's advice is for Mokuren is  to practice Dana the act of selfless sharing.  Mokuren then goes to fellow monks and offers to them a feast.  With this selfless act his mother is released from her suffering and seeing this Mogallana dances for joy.  This is the beginning of the tradition of Obon.  The significance of this legend is twofold.  Firstly the suffering that is experienced by Mokuren's mother is a direct result of her own selfishness.  This is not to say that what we do today will result in our being born into the Gaki realm, but the suffering that we create in our lives and others lives is directly attributed to our selfishness and our desires. Secondly is Mokuren's devotion to his mother and compassion for her suffering.

For many the festival on July 12th is seen as just that, a festival, but for Buddhists it is a celebration of life.  We celebrate this life in deepest gratitude to our ancestors who have made numerous contributions and sacrifices so that we can live the life that we have and are able to hear the Buddha Dharma.

This moment of joy has been celebrated ever since with the Obon festival.  For Buddhists this day is a celebration of life and an expression of gratitude.  We take this moment to honor all our ancestors and express gratitude to them.  With the deep realization that our lives are a result of their lives we celebrate this life with joy and gratitude.  What better way to celebrate this than with the practice of Dana in memory of our loved ones.

We invite you to join us in this Gathering of Joy or Kangi-e as we acknowledge all beings past and present for their continuing influence upon our lives.  Let us all in deep gratitude share in the food, music and dance.
The Monterey Peninsula Obon festival is truly a community wide event.  It is our opportunity as a temple to reach out into the community and share with you our religion our culture and our traditions.  We welcome everyone to join us for a day of great food, music, demonstrations and dancing.

If you are interested in volunteering, helping or contributing in anyway to our festival, please follow the link below and let our committee know that you would like to become part of a wonderful tradition on the Monterey Peninsula.

Festival Obon Date
Ju;y 11

Festival Obon Time
Sun: 12 - 7 pm

Japanese Obon Practice Schedule
All Obon dance practices are held at the temple from 7:30-8:30 pm
Usually Tu / Th starting in early June
Check web site for lastest dates.

Obon Schedule
Japanese food and drink, etc..
Taiko drummers, bonsai and ikebana demonstations, tea ceremony, shorinji kempo, Aikido of Monterey.

Event Title
2010 Monterey Peninsula Bon Odori Festival

Event Location
Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple, 1155 Noche Buena St, Seaside, CA 93955

Web Sites - Add This Obon Link to Your Web Page
http://www.japanese-city.com/calendar/events/japanese-city-events-locations-summer-obon-odori-taiko-line-dancing-dango-drums-games-food.php