Pasadena Buddhist Church
2006 Obon Festival
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Pasadena Buddhist Temple's annual Obon festival will be held on July 15th and 16th.

Obon honors the memory of relatives and friends who have passed away. Special service will be held for families that have lost a loved one since the last obon on Saturday the 15th beginning at 3:00 PM.

Obon comes from the story of Maudgalyana, a disciple of the Buddha, who sees his mother suffering in "hell". Maudgalyana goes to the Buddha for advice and is instructed to make a gift (a vegetarian meal) to his fellow monks. He did so, and immediately his mother is saved from the miseries of hell. Overjoyed, he and his fellow monks clapped their hands and danced in joy. Obon, therefore, is an occasion for rejoicing in liberating others and ourselves from suffering.

Food booths served BBQ chicken teriyaki, chow mein, sushi, and snow cones. A few game booths will help entertain the youngsters. Festivities begin at 5:00 and end at 9:00 on Saturday and 8:30 on Sunday.

Each evening, dancers from around the Southland gathered around the yagura and danced the traditional Obon Odori (dances). Dancing is scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm each evening. Obon odori is to dance for joy. Everyone is invited to join in to "just dance" and be accepted as we are.

The Pasadena is located at 1993 Glen Avenue in Pasadena, California 91103.

For more information via the internet, send email to Jeannie.

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Exhibits and Exhibitors
No admission charge for exhibits or demonstrations.

Ikebana(flower arrangment) and Bonsai

The Buddhist Church Experience in the Camps

Heritage Source
Will have books that focus on Japanese and Asian cultures on display and for sale

Authors signing their books include:
Stan Sakai
Author of the Usagi Yojimbo books
will sign his books on
Saturday 5:00 - 7:00 PM

Naomi Hirahara
Author of the newly released Snackskin Shamisen, and Summer of the Big Bachi, Gasa-Gasa Girl, Silent Scars of Healing Hands: Oral Histories of Japanese American Doctors in WWII Detention Camps. will sign her books on
Sunday 5:00 - 7:00 PM

Clayvision
Sellers of cute charms and gifts will have their items for sale both days.

Happy Shirts
will be selling t-shirts and other items

Now and Zen
Asian clothing and accessories.

 

This is the schedule of events for 2006:

Saturday - July 15th

5:30-6:00 Aikido Demonstration

6:00-6:30 Judo Demonstration

7:00 Bon Odori led by Julie Toyama and Sandy Watson. Everyone welcome to participate!

7:45 Yamato Taiko performance

Sunday - July 16th

4:45 - 5:45 Tea Ceremony in the Tea House

6:00 - 6:30 Kendo Demonstration

6:30 - 7:00 Iaido Demonstration

7:00 Bon Odori led by Julie Toyama and Sandy Watson. Everyone welcome to participate!

7:45 Matsuri Taiko performance


Tea House at the Pasadena Buddhist Temple will be open for their Tea Ceremony demonstration on Sunday at 4:45 - 5:45 PM.


Bonsai of local artists will be on display
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