KOBO Seattle | since 1995
With the world still caught in limbo because of the health crisis, a lot of Japanese Buddhist communities are turning to virtual services and events. Bon Odori, the Obon festival, is typically in summer, and depending on where one lives, can take place sometime in July-August. Some festivals not only welcome our ancestor's spirits, it can include prayers for a good harvest or a certain deity or historical event, but it is always a time for remembrance and thanks. If you this resonates with you and you'd like to learn more about Obon and Bon Odori, we found these links interesting-
A summer festival at nippon.com
Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple's Virtual Bon Odori info
White River Buddhist Temple Virtual Bon Odori info
https://buddhistchurchofoakland.org/
As new generations continue old traditions, we can all embrace the message of passing and loving who we are and where we come from.
(The video below is from Tsuru for Solidarity)
(The video below was taken July 2018, Seattle Betsuin, Dancers Doing the Shamisen Slide)
