Obon:

Obon is a memorial service for family ancestors held between July 13 to the 15. During the Obon period, each family welcomes ancestors spirits home. The origin of Obon is in the story of one of the Buddha's Disciples, Mokuren and his mother. Mokuren used his special vision to see were his mother was after she had passed away. He found her in a region of the hungry spirits. He desperately tried to save her but was unable. He then asked the Buddha what to do. He saved her by having a service for her and offering the merits of the service to her and all the spirits. Nichiren Shonin teaches the merit of Obon service extends into not only seven generations of ancestors but to all ancestors spirits.

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A home altar decorated for Obon.

At the end of the Obon season, paper lanterns are made with the ancestors names written on them. These lanterns are then lit and placed into a river or other water body. There the lanterns symbolically lead the ancestors back into the spiritual realm. Above: Temple members making Toro Lanterns. Left: Rev. Akahoshi doing prayers to the ancestors in front of the Obon altar. Below: Toro Lanterns floating down the Willamette river in Portland Oregon.

Members place there ancestors Toro Lanterns into the river.

Retreats

View from the retreat house.

Retreats are held to give intensive practice and to get samgha members the time to practice together. Retreats can be held at retreat centers or at the Temple itself. The retreat pictured was held at a retreat center in the Columbia river george just east of Portland Oregon. right: Retreat members socialize during a break in the training. below: Rev. Akahoshi gives guidance on copying the Sutra. One of the practices of the Nichiren Shu.

Copy sheets ready to be worked on.

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