Obon! Obon! It’s holiday time! For Jodo Shinshu Buddhists, Obon is a time for family and friends to gather, eat and dance to remember and thank our loved ones who have passed away before us.
This year, the West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple has decided to observe all of our Obon festivities online. We will have three weekends of various events online, all through Zoom. All events are open to the public! We hope you can join us!
Sunday July 11 10 a.m .: Obon and Hatsubon Dharma Service
Join us for this special Dharma service as we remember and thank all those who have passed away before us.
Dharma Message in English: Rev. Candice Shibata, Stockton Buddhist Temple
Japanese Dharma Message: Rev. Koho Takata, WLABT
To receive a Zoom link, send an email to: WLADharmaCenter@gmail.com
Sunday, July 18, 10 a.m .: Obon and Hatsubon memorial service for victims of COVID-19
Join us for this special Dharma service as we remember all those who have lost their lives due to COVID-19.
Dharma Message in English and Japanese:
Rev. Marvin Harada, Bishop, Buddhist Churches of America
To receive a Zoom link, send an email to: WLADharmaCenter@gmail.com or register at: https://tinyurl.com/Obon2021Memorial
Sunday, July 18, 11 a.m .: Webinar: The meaning of Obon and his dance
Have you ever wondered why we watch Obon and why we dance? Come and discover with us as we explore the meaning and history of this annual event!
Presented by: Rév. Masao Kodani, Minister Emeritus, Buddhist Churches of America
To receive a Zoom link, email: WLADharmaCenter@gmail.com or register: https://tinyurl.com/Obon21-History
Saturday July 25, 10 a.m .: Virtual Obon Dancing and Taiko Performance
We can’t all dance the streets together this year, but dance at home with our WLABT dance teachers on Zoom and watch WLABT Taiko perform!
To receive a Zoom link, send an email to: WLADharmaCenter@gmail.com or register at: https://tinyurl.com/WLABT-Obon2021
Obon commemorative lanterns: Until July 25
Remember your loved ones during our Virtual Obon this year with an Obon Memorial Lantern! The Obon Memorial Lantern is a way to express our gratitude and appreciation to our family members and friends who have left this existence and become a Buddha. Obon Memorial Lanterns will be displayed throughout our Obon season on our temple website with the name of your loved one.
For more information on how to receive a lantern on behalf of your loved one, contact: WLADharmaCenter@gmail.com or visit: https://www.wlabt.org/virtual-obon-2021
Obon Obento: Pre-order before July 15 / Pick up July 24 between 11 am-3pm
In an effort to support our local community restaurants in the Sawtelle and Westside area, we offer various dishes provided by Shin-Sen-Gumi, Aki Restaurant, Harajuku Taproom, Rutt’s Hawaiian Cafe, and B-Sweet Dessert Bar. All proceeds will go to the respective restaurants.
To view the menu and for more information on how to order, visit: https://www.wlabt.org/virtual-obon-2021
We can’t wait to see you all at the West LA Buddhist Temple Virtual Obon 2021!
