Buddhist temples reach out: Obon Festival

Buddhist temples reach out with Obon Festival
Eleanor Yang Su (SignOnSanDiego.com, July 26, 2009)

VISTA, California — Members of the Vista Buddhist Temple rolled out the welcome mat at their annual Obon Festival yesterday with musical and dance performances, mush-room tastings, and a discus-sion on Buddhist teachings. The event, which continues today, is an annual celebration of ancestors and loved ones who have died. And that was very much on the minds of many, especially during the traditional Bon Odori dance. The temple's aging membership has dwindled to about 80 people in the past decade, and organizers are using events like the festival and new classes to reach out to spiritual seekers. More>>

PHOTOS: 1, 2: Vista Buddhist Temple, 150 Cedar Road, San Diego, dance and Taiko drum performances, food, beverage booths, and shopping (townnews.com; nctimes.com); 3: Gardena, CA Obon festival (epicanthus.net)

2009 OBON (August 1) SCHEDULE

• Aug. 1-2—Gardena Buddhist Temple Obon Odori, 1517 W. 166th St., Gardena, CA 90247; (310) 327-9400; 3-10 p.m. Sat./2-9 p.m. Sun.
• Aug. 1—Buddhist Temple of San Diego Obon Odori, 2929 Market St., San Diego, CA 92102; (619) 239-0896: 5-9 p.m.
• Aug. 1—Oregon Buddhist Temple “Obonfest 2009,” 3720 SE 34th Ave., Portland, OR 97202; (503) 234-9456: 4-9 p.m.
• Aug. 1—San Luis Obispo Buddhist Temple Obon Odori, 6996 Ontario Rd., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405; (805)-595-2625: 1-9 p.m.
• Aug. 1—Hawaii Waialua Hongwanji Temple Obon, 67-313 Kealohanui St., Waialua, HI 96791; (808) 637-4395: from 7:30 p.m.
• Aug. 1-2—Palo Alto Buddhist Temple Obon Odori, 2751 Louis Rd., Palo Alto, CA 94303; (650)856-0123: 5-11 p.m. Sat./noon-10 p.m. Sun. More>>