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Published on 07/14/1999 All articles from this issue

Obon festival set for this weekend

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Special to the Town Crier

The Mountain View Buddhist Temple holds its 47th annual Obon Festival this weekend. Events are scheduled 4-10 p.m., Saturday, and noon to 10 p.m., Sunday. The event features religious ceremonies and numerous cultural experiences.

This year, the festival is co-chaired by Jits Higa and Hiroji Kariya, helped by many temple members.

The Obon festival and bazaar is attended yearly by hundreds of people and is open to the public.

In Jodo Shinshu tradition, Obon is also called "Kangi-e," or the season of "Gathering of Joy." For Buddhists, this is a holiday to be grateful for the gifts of life and heritage.

Most important, it is a time to share memories of ancestors.

"Obon is the most special of occasions. It is a time to remember our loved ones who have passed away before us with deepest love, respect and gratitude," said the Rev. David Matsumoto of the Mountain View Buddhist Temple.

During the festival, the temple's cultural room will exhibit ikebana ikenobo, Japanese flower arranging, by Chizu Iwata and her students; bonsai, miniature trees, by Shige Horiuchi and the Peninsula Bonsai Club; and suiseki, scenic rocks in their natural forms, by Jackson Kato and Kashu Suiseki Kai.

Cultural demonstrations will take place 1-3:30 p.m., Sunday in the bingo tent.

A wide variety of Japanese foods will be sold, including sushi and tempurai.The Mountain View Buddhist Temple is located at 575 N. Shoreline Blvd. ,in Mountain View.

For information, call the temple office at 964-9426.