Dharma Message from Rev. Hiroshi Abiko

Graciously reprinted from BCSF Geppo article – July 2005

“ Obon and Bon Odori ”

Having received an assignment to BCSF back in 2001, this year’s Obon will mark the 5 th Obon for me and my family to be celebrated here. While enjoying many activities offered at this temple and its community throughout a year, no ‘happenings’ come close to happenings taking place surrounding Obon. Along with New Year, the importance of Obon as a religious holiday is second to none. Like any other year, I hope to totally immerse in the spirit of Obon, appropriately called ‘Festival of Joy’ with special service on July 17 th followed by Ginza Bazaar on July 23 rd and 24 th, going a little crazy at Bon Odori on Sunday.

Due to greater interest and involvement in the Asian culture and learning by the public, the temple office phones are usually kept busy with inquiries when Obon observances approach. The increased exposure to cultures are much welcomed development, however, when most of the inquiries are based on the entertainment value and/or side-line interest, the phone line often times get tied-up with my prolonged explanations. I find it more and more difficult to lead a person to joyful experience of Buddha-Dharma. Another difficulty I encounter is responding to many Asians who associate Obon as a special time when ‘soul’ of their ancestors returns to us and that my main duty as a minister is to appease them. Despite some degree of Buddhist education given over many generations, it is apparent that many still cling to collection of beliefs, making Obon and Buddhism into some of Asian soul festival. Shakyamuni Buddha, when faced with similar issue, replied that there were three signs by which one could tell if a person was a Buddhist or not; if you believed in fortune telling, astrology, and magic, you are not a Buddhist nor can one ever attain enlightenment.

When Obon, as we know it, has a mixture of Buddhist, Hindu, Confucian as well as Taoist traditions, it is easy to be thought of as a belief. However, our teachings are based on truth and virtue that must be realized through spiritual evolution and experience that cannot be acquired by assenting to creeds and beliefs. Jodo Shin Buddhism has been emphatic in stating that Obon and Bon-odori is the annual opportunity given to us to remember well of those who have passed on before us and acknowledge the continuing influences they have upon our present lives. It is an opportune time for us while recalling them that we enjoy sharing the life again which we were not able to do while they were alive. And only after having said “Thank you” to them that we are able to be free with them and also to be free in our present selves.

At Obon time, we chant, offer lights and flowers, burn incense, cook and setup booths, and we dance not to appease souls or out of retributions but to offer truth and by doing so, we hope to become that person of truth. The joy of becoming that person of truth is the working of Amida Buddha which makes us see that this is indeed so. The Nembutsu, then, becomes a response of that true person who is called by the Amida Buddha continuously. The Nembutsu uttered by such person is unconditional and just.

The Bon-odori which reenacts the dancing of religious joy by Mogallana is alive in each of us in the present day. In another word, the dance is of unconditional and just. Not being blocked-out by notion of ‘culture’ or by ‘self-image.’ Bon-odori is just dancing.

Each year, I see that more and more spectators are joining us in dancing at our Obon. Rather than knowing all about Obon and/or Bon-odori and be a spectator, it is far from enjoying yourself in dancing. Even if you think all eyes are focused on you, just dance. And when you are able to just dance for yourself, you have joined us in our ‘Festival of Joy.’

Gassho,

Rev. Hiroshi Abiko

Rev. Abiko is the Head Minister of Buddhist Church of San Francisco

 

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