The following is an excerpt from the Meditations article in the June 22, 2013 edition of the Honolulu Star Advertiser.
Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin expects more than 1,400 people at its annual Obon festival Friday and June 29 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. The temple is at 1727 Pali Highway.
Obon is a Buddhist festival that honors departed loved ones and is a time for expressing gratitude for their influence on their descendants’ lives, a news release said.
“Obon is a time for awakening to the interconnectedness of all life and for appreciating the love and compassion our loved ones gave to us in order to make our lives possible in the present. For these profound gifts, we celebrate our loved ones and dance in joy,” said the Rev. Tatsuo Muneto, the Hongwanji’s head minister.
There will be chili, waffle hot dogs, stew and andagi (Japanese doughnuts), among other favorites; live music; children’s kimono dressing and picture taking; a “Bontique” thrift store of all things Japanese; and traditional minyo dances in which everyone may participate.
The festival will showcase youth taiko drumming, with the Hawaii Betsuin Dharma School Taiko opening the festivities at 6 p.m. A short service will follow and dancing begins at 6:30 p.m. The Honolulu Fukushima Bon Dance Club, Iwakuni Bon Dance Club and Hawaii Eisa Shinyukai will also perform.