WELCOME TO THE BUDDHIST CHURCH OF OAKLAND

We, at the Buddhist Church of Oakland (BCO), wish to extend our warmest welcome to you.  Try our Japanese delicacies at the food bazaar, enjoy the traditional Japanese cultural demonstrations and Ikebana Floral Exhibit.  Complete the exciting evening by joining in and celebrating with us in the Obon dancing.

 


OBON FESTIVAL

One of the most colorful and festive events expressing the meaning of life on the Buddhist calendar is the Obon Festival.  It is a time to set aside for joyous festivity, to express gratitude for shared lives, and to deepen the understanding between all humankind.

According to the Ulambana Sutra, this is the origin of Obon:

When a high disciple of Buddha attained insight into the depths of existence, he saw his mother suffering in Hungry Hell. She was in great pain, emaciated to bones and clothed in rags.  In front of her was a tempting spread of delicacies and rich food.  When she picked up something to eat, the food burst into flames.  This was her punishment for greediness and selfishness in her lifetime.  In deep grief, the disciple sought the help of Buddha, whose heart was moved with compassion.  The Buddha told the disciple to do a great deed of selfless giving.  This, the disciple did.  The woman was released from hell and delivered to a comfortable place.  When the disciple saw this, he was overjoyed, and he and his friends celebrated with music, dancing, and an offering of gratitude to Buddha.

The story is significant in that as we reflect upon our lives, we are able to visualize the re-enactment of this story, even in our present lives.  For example, for the welfare of their child, parents may choose an undesirable path, the child often unaware.  To open our eyes to this

fact, to see ourselves in the true light, and to extend our gratitude for such sacrifices is the meaning of Obon.


2024 Obon Program and Food Menu

 


(Note: Change in starting time)

Saturday/Sunday, August 3 & 4, 2024

For 2024, the Buddhist Church of Oakland will be presenting a Obon Festival. 

  • Food & Activities – Sat Aug 3 – 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

  • Odori Dance & Spectator – Sat Aug 3 – Time 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm (Note: Change in starting time)

  • Hatsubon Service – Sun Aug 4th – 9:30 am (Hatsubon Explanation)

  • Obon Service – Sun Aug 4th – 10:30 am (Guest Speaker: Rev. Etsuko Mikame, San Jose Betsuin)

  • Obon Donations (Link)


Sangha Help Needed !

Volunteers requested for Friday, August 2 and Saturday, August 3 to assist with food preparation, construction, and other support activities. If you are able to help, please contact Jon Takagaki by email (jtaka1014@gmail.com)


Obon Practice Schedule

All practice sessions held at Buddhist Church of Oakland – 825 Jackson St., Oakland – Free parking available.

Click on Image to Enlarge.


 Obon Memorial Lantern Tags

 

New and Renew Tags

Information and Ordering

Closed for New and Renew Tags (7/31/2024)

Last Day to Order July 28, 2024


2024 OBON DINING MENU

*Saturday August 3, 2024 – 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

(To be announced)


 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Saturday August 3, 2024

(Tentative)

1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
FOOD BAZAAR

Location: Outdoor Plaza and Social Hall

1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
IKEBANA FLORAL EXHIBIT

Ohara School
Madam Suiyo Fujimoto & Students
Location: Main Building, 2nd Floor (Elevator available)

*1:30 pm
TEMPLE TOUR

Rev. Harry Gyokyo Bridge
Location: Main Building, 2nd Floor, Hondo-Chapel – Elevator available

1:45 pm – 2:30 pm
TEA CEREMONY

Urasenke School of Tea
Madam Soga Fujimoto, Sojin Hagawara, & Students
Location: Issei Kaikan Annex Building

         3:00 pm – 3:45 pm
KOTO TRIO PERFORMANCE

Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto
Brian Mitsuhiro Wong, Nate Ong
Location: Stage @ Front of Church

4:30 pm
Dressing Area Open

Women & Men’s Dressing Rooms Available for Dancers
Location: Issei Kaikan Building

4:15 pm – 5:15 pm
MUSIC BY SAN JOSE CHIDORI BAND

Location: Front of Church

5:30 pm – 6:00 pm
 OBON ODORI DANCE

Location: Front of Church

  • Note Time Change.

OBON ODORI DANCE PROGRAM

(Note New Start Time – 5:30pm)

5:30pm – 6:30pm
Musical accompaniment:  San Jose Chidori Band
Master of Ceremonies: Gary Tominaga

Public invited to join in the dancing!

***

Obon no Uta (uchiwa – round fan)

Lantern Song (hands)

(Performed by Bombu Stories)

Kawachi Otoko Bushi (sensu – folding fan)

Hanabi Ondo (hands)

Zenkokugochonai Ondo (uchiwa –  round fan)

Shiawase Samba (hands)

Led by BCO Jr. Young Buddhist Association (Jr. YBA)

Ichi Tasu Ichi No Ondo (kachi kachi)

Sakura Ondo (towel)

Tanko Bushi (Hands)

Obon no Uta (Uchiwa –  round fan)


Please join us for our

Obon Service

Sunday, August 4, 2024 at 10:30am

Speaker: Rev. Etsuko Mikame (San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin)


Notice: *All Food and Beverage Items are available in “very” limited quantities. We anticipate that many items will sell out “early”. We apologize if the items you choose are not available. This Menu subject to change without notice. Prices subject to change without notice.

The Buddhist Church of Oakland reserves the right to deny service and/or admission to anyone, for any reason, and at any time.  All rights are reserved.

 


Obon Donations

Please make an Obon donation to BCO.

Online Donation

  • CHECKS: Mail checks to: Buddhist Church of Oakland, 825 Jackson St, Oakland CA 94607. Please list the “In Memory of…”  name if applicable.

Sangha & Friends Help Needed !

Volunteers requested for Friday, August 2 and Saturday, August 3 to assist with food preparation, construction, and other support activities.

We especially need help Saturday Evening from 5:00 to 8:00 pm to cleanup the food selling areas, dining areas and to clear the street dancing area.

If you are able to help, please contact Jon Takagaki by email (jtaka1014@gmail.com) or call the Church Office.

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