O-Bon is a time for Buddhists to reflect on the dedicated lives of departed ancestors who made the lives of living people possible.
On Saturday, the Bon Odori Festival at White River Buddhist Temple swings into vibrant life when men and women, young and old, don brightly colored kimonos, yukatas and happi coats and dance to traditional music as they rejoice and remember their ancestors, family and friends.
“O-Bon is the most popular holiday in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition,” said the Rev. Kakei Nakagawa, resident minister of the White River Buddhist Temple. “According to our Jodo Shinsu tradition, O-Bon is called ‘Kangi-e’ or ‘a gathering of joy in gratitude.'”
Last year’s Buddhist festival at the temple drew an estimated 1,000 people to welcome back the departed in spirit not only with dancing but also with drumming and feasting.
“It’s just so traditional. It’s just a way of honoring our families,” said Kathryn Natsuhara, a member of the White River Temple.
According to Buddhist teachings, Mokuren, a disciple of the Buddha, long ago beheld a vision of his dead mother in the realm of hungry ghosts, indulging in her own selfishness. Troubled, he approached the Buddha and asked how he could release her. Buddha answered: “Provide a big feast for the past seven generations of dead.” This the disciple did, gaining his mother’s release. He started to see the true nature of her past unselfishness and all the sacrifices that she had made for him, and he danced with joy. From this dance of joy comes Bon Odori, or “Bon Dance.”
Bon Odori has existed in Japan for more than 500 years, bearing some similarities to the Mexican observance of el Dia de los Muertos, with customs involving family reunions and care of ancestors’ grave sites.
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Bon Odori Festival
• Where: White River Buddhist Temple, 3625 Auburn Way N., Auburn
• Saturday’s mid-summer party schedule: 4:30 p.m. — pre-dance entertainment, food booths open; 5:15 p.m. — children’s lantern parade; 5:45 p.m. — service inside the temple; 6 p.m. — message and opening remarks; 6:15 p.m. — Odori dancing begins; 7:30 p.m. – Seattle Matsuri Taiko drum performance
• Also: Food for sale will include beef bowls, teriyaki chicken bento meals, somen or cold noodles in broth, kori, or flavored shaved ice, hot dogs, hamburgers, baked manju, steamed mochi, pies, strawberry sundaes and cold beverages.
• Admission: Free. Public is invited.
• Information: www.whiteriverbuddhisttmpl.org.
