Berkeley Obon 2018
By Rev. Ken Yamada
A crowd of people wearing Japanese clothing recently formed a circle on a Berkeley, California, street and began dancing, following the Buddhist observance “Obon.” Even more unusual, this was a gathering of two different Jodo Shinshu Buddhist groups—Nishi Honganji and Higashi Honganji.
For more than 30 years, the two Berkeley temples have held a joint Bon dance, each alternating as host. This tradition is ironic considering their histories rooted in conflict that resulted in their split—twice. Continue reading “Berkeley’s Unique Obon”