2024 Midwest Bon Odori Festival Event: Celebrate Bon Odori and Honor Ancestors at Midwest Buddhist Temple (Saturday) NEW

Midwest Buddhist Temple Bon Odori Festival Event is Saturday in the temple parking lot we will celebrate Bon Odori. Come join us as we dance to express our gratitude to our ancestors and the joy in the Truth of Life..

Although you do not need to know the dances to enjoy Bon Odori, anyone wishing to learn them before the festival can attend open practices led by the MBT Minyo Group. All are welcome to join us in the MBT Social Hall at 7:30 pm for any or all sessions-July 1, 3, 5, 9 and 11-to practice the Bon Odori dances.

On Sunday, July 14, we will have our Obon/Hatsubon Sunday service at 10:30am with guest speaker, Rev. Tanis Moore, from the Manitoba Buddhist Temple, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

In Jodo Shinshu, Obon is called Kangi-e, or a “Gathering of Joy.” It is a major festival on our Buddhist calendar. It is a memorial service and celebration in memory of our ancestors and all who have come before us. It is an annual observance and an opportunity for us to reflect upon the innumerable causes and conditions that continue to influence our lives and the benefits we have received from the countless lives of others.

Kangi-e is awakening. This awakening causes us to dance for joy as a spiritual and festive activity in gratitude.

As Shin Buddhists, we should remember that this observance is held for the sake of the living. It gives us an opportunity to hear and experience the Dharma and deepen our faith in the infinite wisdom and boundless compassion of Amida Buddha.

For Hatsubon, it is the first Obon for families who have lost loved ones this past year. This can be a particularly difficult time for families as the death of their loved one is still so fresh. As we struggle with understanding the transiency of life through our experiences, it is an opportunity to continue our changed life with fullness and meaning.

Bon Odori Date
July 13, 2024, Saturday

Bon Odori Time
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Bon Odori Practice Dates
Where: MBT Social Hall
July 1: 7:30 to 8:30 pm
July 3: 7:30 to 8:30 pm
July 5: 7:30 to 8:30 pm
July 9: 7:30 to 8:30 pm
July 11: 7:30 to 8:30 pm

There is no cost or registration.


Practices, Bon Odori, Ginza

Midwest Festival, Bon Odori & Practices


Obon History
Its origin is linked to the Ullambana-sutra that tells the story of Mogallana, one of the great disciples of the Buddha. In this story, Mogallana sees his departed mother suffering in the fiery domain of the Hungry Devils, a domain where hunger and thirst know no bounds.

Everything that is touched immediately bursts into flames.

Grieving at what he sees, he attempts to relieve her suffering but his attempts to relieve her suffering are futile. In desperation, he goes to the Buddha and the All Compassionate One shows him the way.

Following the path shown him, he finally succeeds. He and his friends rejoice, expressing their joy and gratitude with music and dancing.

The Bon Odori is symbolic of that occasion. It is a time of rejoicing and expressing gratitude in the same manner as did Mogallana and his friends. This is the tradition of the Obon.

Event Title
Midwest Buddhist Temple Obon Odori Festival of Lights - Midwest Buddhist Temple

Event Location
Midwest Buddhist Temple, 435 West Menomonee Street, Chicago, IL 60614

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