Obon is a time to reflect on the various causes and conditions that brought about the rare and difficult event of being born as humans. It is also a time for joyful expression of gratitude to all beings past and present that make our continuing existence possible.
Bon Dance is one of the most visible ways we express joy and gratitude together. Hawaii Betsuin’s 2018 Bon Dance is the evenings of June 29 and June 30 (Friday and Saturday). Here is your guide to the event!
Schedule for June 29 & 30
The schedule for both Friday and Saturday evenings is the same.
5:30 p.m. – Sutra chanting service in the main temple hall
6:00 p.m. – Taiko drumming
6:15 p.m. – Opening aspiration
6:30 p.m. – Dancing begins!
10:30 p.m. – Event pau
Location & Parking
The Bon Dance is held in the Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin front parking lot, 1727 Pali Highway. Parking is in the back parking lots off Lusitana Street with overflow parking at Hongwanji Mission School, Kawananakoa Middle School, Soto Mission, and Cathedral School.
Happenings in the Social Hall
When you’re ready for a break from dancing, come visit the Social Hall below the main temple hall for the Buddhist Women’s Association “Bontique,” Bon Dance apparel such as happi coats and colorful cotton yukatas as well as accessories such as obis and slippers. Many unique and appealing Japanese items, both decorative and functional, will also be sold in the Bontique. For individuals and families who wish to dress in Japanese apparel for professional photo portrait packages available in the social hall, the BWA offers a wide selection of beautiful kimonos, yukatas, etc. for men, women, teens, and children. Free kimono dressing services are also provided for such photo-taking.
Temple Tours
Ministers and Ministers Lay Assistants will give temple tours starting at 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m. Meet in the main temple hall at the top of the big outdoor staircase overlooking the dancing.
Want to practice the dances before the big event?
Hawaii Betsuin will hold Bon Dance practice sessions Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in the week leading up to the event (June 25-27). On Monday practice will be in the Social Hall and on Tuesday and Wednesday (weather permitting) practice will be in the front parking lot, the site of the actual Bon Dance.
More About Obon Season
The Obon season is often characterized as a “joyful gathering.” It is the occasion to celebrate our fortunate life event, to be born as human beings, which was only made possible through the efforts and nurturing of those who preceded us, namely our departed parents, ancestors, and other loved ones who, according to the Jodo Shinshu tradition, have gone on to the realm of Enlightenment or Amida Buddha’s Western Pure Land.
The most often preconceived notion about this annual summer observance is that Obon is a time when the spirits of our ancestors return from the world of the dead to be among us for the duration of the Obon observance. Memorial services are held at the temples in their honor, so the living may pay their respect and express gratitude; the Obon season is not about worshiping our departed ancestors or loved ones. Those who have passed on to final enlightenment and Buddhahood neither demand nor require worship during this observance. Rather, Obon is a time of reflection, of understanding the various causes and conditions that brought about the rare and difficult event of being born as humans and a time for joyful expression of gratitude to all beings past and present that make our continuing existence possible.