Pasadena Buddhist Church
2008 Obon Festival
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Pasadena Buddhist Temple's annual Obon festival will be held on July 19th and 20th

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 Sunday, July 13th at 10:00 am.

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

Check their Web site for updated information regarding book signings by local authors. As of 7/4/08the schedule for book signings:

Stan Sakai
Author of the Usagi Yojimbo series will be signing his books on Saturday from 5:00 - 7:00 PM

Shig Yabu & Willie Ito
Author and illustrator of Hello Maggie will be signing their book on Saturday from 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

Mariko III
will have her sewn gift items, purses, bags, on sale

Spicy Brown
specialty t-shirts and accessories

 

This is the schedule of events for 2008:

Saturday - July 19th

5:30-6:00 Judo Demonstration

6:00-6:30 Aikido Demonstration

6:30-7:45 Japanese Antique Q/A

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

7:45 Taiko Center of LA performance

Sunday - July 15th

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

5:45 - 6:15 Naginata Demonstration

6:15 - 6:45 Kendo 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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