- Welcome Message
- Obon Festival Message
- Schedule of Events
- Odori Dance Program
- Obon Service – Special Guest Speaker
- Obon Dining Menu (LINK)
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.
BCO OBON FESTIVAL
Saturday, August 5, 2023
***
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
1:00 pm – 5:30 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)
1:45 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
4:00 pm
TEMPLE TOUR
Rev. Harry Gyokyo Bridge
Location: Main Building, 2nd Floor, Hondo-Chapel – Elevator available
4:30 pm
Dressing Area Open
Women & Men’s Dressing Rooms Available for Dancers
Location: Issei Kaikan Building
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
MUSIC BY SAN JOSE CHIDORI BAND
Location: Front of Church
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
OBON ODORI DANCE
Location: Front of Church
OBON ODORI DANCE PROGRAM
5:30pm – 6:30pm
Musical accompaniment: San Jose Chidori Band
Master of Ceremonies: Gary Tominaga
Obon no Uta (Uchiwa – round fan)
Oshin Ondo (Towel)
Shiawase Samba (Hands)
Led by the BCO Jr. Young Buddhist Association (Jr. YBA)
Ochatsumi Ondo (Sensu – folding fan)
Hanabi Ondo (Hands)
Kawachi Otoko Bushi (Kachi Kachi)
Tanko Bushi (Hands)
Obon no Uta (Uchiwa, round fan)
Please join us for our
Kangi-e “Gathering of Joy” Obon Service
Sunday, August 6, 2023 at 10:30am
Guest Speaker:Rev. Dr. David Matsumoto
2023 OBON DINING MENU
Outside Plaza Dining Area
Dinner Items – (Dinner include rice, salad, and cookies)
- Chicken Dinner $20.00
- Short Rib Dinner $25.00
Ala Cart Items:
- Chicken Only – $12.00
- Hamburger – $ 8.00
- Cheese Hamburger – $8.00
- Hot Dog – $ 5.00
Beverages:
- Soft Drinks – $2.00
- Bottled Water – $2.00
- Japanese Beer – $5.00
- Japanese Bottled Sake – $12.00
Inside Dining Area (Main Hall)
Rice & Noodle Items
- Curry/Udon (New Item !) – $12.00
- Udon (Noodle Soup) – $10.00
- Curry Rice – $12.00
Sushi / Rice Items
- Inari Sushi – $10.00
- Chirashi Sushi Rice – $8.00
- Spam Musubi – $5.00
Dessert Items
- Kuri Manju (Sweet Cakes) $8.00
Complimentary Hot Tea is available in the Main Hall.
Notice: All Food and Beverage Items are available in “very” limited quantities. We anticipate that many items will sell out. We apologize if the items you choose are not available. This Menu subject to change without notice. Prices subject to change without notice.