お盆, お盆, It's Festival Day!

(Photo on left: My mom decided to wear green this year.) (Photo on right: Me and my dad at Obon Festival)

In July, I participated in the annual Obon (お盆) Festival at the Buddhist Temple of Alameda, California. In Japan, Obon is a time to honor our passed loved ones and ancestors. Similar to Mexico’s Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), it’s a festive and joyful celebration. Paper lanterns are strung with the names of those we want to honor, and these decorations cast a cheery glow around the temple. People wear yukata (summer kimono) or happi coats. Various dances tell stories about Japanese culture such as fishing, baseball, even Pokemon!

After attending the last two festivals in Alameda, I eagerly joined the dance practices at the temple this year. On the evening of the festival, the temple grounds were packed with attendees, families, and participants of all ages. The sense of togetherness— the Japanese and Buddhist community showing up from all over the region was powerful. What a feeling to know that I was dancing the same dances as my ancestors. I am sure they were smiling and delighting in the evening with us. 

Anytime we connect back to our heritage through art, music, dance, or food, our ancestors beam with joy. Centuries later, these parts of our culture continue to have a place. It has not been lost or forgotten. These are the very things that connect us to our heart, spirit, and with each other. It’s what unites us at the soul level.

If we do not have warm feelings about our ancestors due to their wrongdoings, perhaps we can understand that harm occurs when awareness and resources are further away. If we have meaning and wonder in our own life, we can appreciate that life was given to us despite the circumstances. 

Our own life journey teaches us to:

• Catch ourselves judging and replace it with compassion

• Take responsibility for our own actions, choices, and day

• Set boundaries 

• Understand what you are agreeing to  

• Do things out of more love for yourself, not as a way to seek love/approval from others 

• Not give our power to others, but build a stronger sense of self

• Be grateful for what we have without diminishing it

• Live in the present instead of the past, future, distraction, or fantasy

May life continue to inspire you~!