DENNIS ODA / JUNE 2000
Bon dances, such as this one at Moiliili Hongwanji
Mission, bring together young and old alike.

Bon dance
celebrates Buddhist
enlightenment

Oahu | Maui | Molokai | Big Island | Kauai

---

By Mary Adamski
and Shirley Iida
Star-Bulletin

With summer comes the Obon season, when Buddhist temples and societies honor the dead in a style thousands of years old, by dancing and singing.

Buddhists are also celebrating that the compassion of Buddha makes it possible for anyone to be emancipated from the suffering world of human existence.

Hawaii puts its own unique stamp on bon dances. Many of the songs used here reflect the experiences of early Japanese immigrants, and the dances draw diverse crowds, with non-Buddhists joining in. The celebrating is prolonged, with temples taking turns so dancers may make the circuit of weekend events and so the season lasts virtually all summer.

The Rev. Shoji Matsumoto of Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin told the legend about the origin of the bon dance. "Mokuren was a disciple of Shakyamuni Buddha back in India 2,500 years ago where they believed in reincarnation. He was concerned about his mother's destination after she died."

Mokuren found his mother suffering in the realm of hungry spirits, starving every day because of her greed when she was alive. He wanted to rescue her, but food he brought turned to fire in her mouth.

"Buddha counseled him to have a feast for the other monks," Matsumoto said. "And because of his compassion for them, he was able to save his mother from the ordeal.

"He was so happy, he and the other monks danced with joy," Matsumoto said. "That was the inspiration for the bon dance. When you dance you become enlightened."

In the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist tradition, Obon is seen as "the religious happiness which comes from seeing life and death clearly," said Honpa Hongwanji publicity chairman Fujiko Motobu. "An important part of seeing life and death clearly is the ability to remember and appreciate our ancestors, of all who have gone before us."

Many of the dancers who return every year to the Obon circuit take classes in the dance form, which resembles line dancing, steps and hand motions coordinated within a group.

Joyce Araki will direct dance practice sessions at 7:30 p.m. June 25, 26 and 27 at Honpa Hongwanji in preparation for its dances June 29 and 30 at 1777 Pali Hwy. The temple requires participants to wear happi coats or kimono or yukata.

The Toro-Nagashi Lantern Floating Ceremony will be at 6 tonight at Keehi Lagoon Park. About 1,000 lanterns are to be released from canoes in Keehi Lagoon.

Here are various bon dance and practice dates:

 | | |

On Oahu

Aiea Hongwanji Mission, 99-186 Puakala St., 488-5685. Service, 6:30 p.m.; dance, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 25.

Ewa Hongwanji Mission, 91-1133 Renton Rd., 681-5222. Service, 6:30 p.m.; dance, 7:30 p.m. June 23.

Haleiwa Jodo Mission, 66-279-A Haleiwa Rd., 637-4382. Practice, 7 p.m. June 21, 28; service, 6:30 p.m., dance, 8 p.m. July 13-14; floating lantern ceremony, 10 p.m. July 14.

Haleiwa Shingon Mission, 66-469 Paalaa Rd., 637-4423. Practice, 7 p.m. July 10; service, 6:30 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. July 20-21.

Higashi Hongwanji Betsuin, 1685 Alaneo St., 531-9088. Practice, 7 p.m. July 24; dance, 7 p.m. July 27-28.

Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin, 1727 Pali Hwy., 536-7044. Practice, 7:30 p.m. June 25-27; service, 7 p.m.; dance, 7:30 p.m. June 29-30.

Jikoen Hongwanji, 1731 N. School St., 845-3422. Practice, 7:30-9:30 p.m. July 18, 20, 25; service, 9-10:30 a.m. July 14-15; dance, 7-10 p.m. July 27-28.

Jodo Mission of Hawaii, 1429 Makiki St., 949-3995. Practice, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 13-14; dance, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 17-18.

Kahuku Hongwanji Mission, 1067 California Ave., 293-5268. Service, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10; dance, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 11.

Kailua Hongwanji, 30-D Maluniu Ave., 262-4560. Practice, 6:30 p.m. July 25; dance, 7 p.m. July 28.

Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji, 45-520 Keaahala Rd., 247-2661. Practice, 7 p.m. July 3; service, 6:30 p.m.; dance, 7-10 p.m. July 6.

Kapahulu Senior Center, 3410 Campbell Ave., 737-1748. Dance, 6 p.m. Aug. 25.

Koboji Shingon Mission, 1223-B N. School St., 841-7033. Practice, 7 p.m. July 11; service, 4 p.m. July 14; dance, 7 p.m. July 13-14.

Koganji Temple, 2869 Oahu Ave., 988-7214. Practice, 1 p.m. July 21-28; children's lantern parade, 5:30 p.m. Aug. 3; dance, 5:30-10:30 p.m. Aug. 3-4.

Mililani Hongwanji Mission, 95-257 Kaloapau St., 625-0925. Service, 9 a.m. Aug. 12; dance, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 17-18.

Moiliili Hongwanji Mission, 902 University Ave., 949-1659. Practice, 7:30-9 p.m. June 18, 25 at Moiliili Hongwanji Mission and July 3-4 at Moiliili Community Center, 2535 S. King St.; service, 9 and 10:30 p.m. July 15 at Moiliili Hongwanji Mission; dance, 7:30-10:30 p.m. July 6-7 at Moiliili Community Center.

Palolo Higashi Hongwanji, 1641 Palolo Ave., 732-1491. Practice, 7 p.m. July 31; service, 7:15 p.m.; dance, 7:30-10:30 p.m. Aug. 3-4.

Pearl City Hongwanji Mission, 858 2nd St., 455-1680. Service, 6:30 p.m.; dance, 7:30 p.m. July 27-28.

Rissho Kosei-Kai Church, 2280 Auhuhu St., 455-3212. Service, 9 a.m. July 15; dance, 7-9 p.m. July 20-21.

Shingon Mission of Hawaii, 915 Sheridan St., 941-5663. Practice, 7 p.m. Aug. 7; dance, 7-10:45 p.m. Aug. 10-11; service, 9 a.m. Aug. 12.

Shinshu Kyokai Mission, 1631 S. Beretania St., 973-0156. Practice, 7:30-9 p.m. July 17, 18; service, 7 p.m.; dance, 7:30-10:30 p.m. July 20-21.

Soto Mission of Aiea Taiheiji, 99-045 Kauhale St., 488-6794. Practice, 7 p.m. Aug. 6, 8, 13, 15; service, 6:30 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. Aug. 10-11.

Soto Mission of Hawaii (Betsuin Shoboji), 1708 Nuuanu Ave., 537-9409. Dance, 7-9:30 p.m. Aug. 17-18.

Tendai Mission of Hawaii, 23 Jack Lane, 595-2556. Service, 6:50 p.m.; dance, 7 p.m. July 14.

Wahiawa Hongwanji Mission, 1067 California Ave., 622-4320. Practice, 7-9 p.m. June 18-20, 25 (Okinawa bon dance practice), 26-27; service, 6:30 p.m.; dance, 7:30 p.m. June 29-30.

Wahiawa Ryusenji Soto Mission, 164 California Ave., 622-1429. Dance, 7:30 p.m. July 27-28.

Waialua Hongwanji Mission, 67-313 Kealohanui St., 637-4395. Service, 7:30 p.m. July 6 and 6:30 p.m. July 7; dance, 7:30 p.m. July 7.

Waianae Hongwanji Mission, 85-762 Old Government Rd., 696-3125. Practice, 7-9 p.m. July 9-11, 16-18; service, 7:30 p.m. July 20; dance, 7:30 p.m. July 21.

Waipahu Cultural Garden Park, 94-696 Waipahu St., 677-0110. Dance, 6-10 p.m. June 9.

Waipahu Hongwanji Mission, 94-821 Kuhaulua St., 677-4221. Practice, 7 p.m. June 22, 27 and July 6, 9 (Okinawan bon dance); service, 6:30 p.m.; dance, 7:30 p.m. July 13-14.

Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji, 94-413 Waipahu St., 671-3103. Practice, 7-8 p.m. July 23-26, 30-31, Aug. 1; service, 6:30 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. Aug. 3-4.

Neighbor islands

 | | |

Maui

Hale Makua-Kahului, 472 Kaulana St., 871-9259. Dance, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Sept. 7.

Hale Makua-Wailuku, 1540 E. Main St., 243-1712. Dance, 6-7 p.m. Sept. 14.

Kahului Hongwanji Mission, 291 S. Puunene St., 871-4732. Practice, 7:15 p.m. June 12-13, 19-20; service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. June 29-30.

Kahului Jodo Mission, 325 Laau St., 871-4911. Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. Aug. 10-11.

Kula Shofukuji Mission, 53 Upper Kula Rd., 661-0466. Service, 6:30 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. Aug. 25.

Lahaina Hongwanji Mission, 551 Wainee St., 661-0640. Practice, 7 p.m. June 5, 12; service, 6 p.m.; dance, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 3-4.

Lahaina Jodo Mission, 12 Ala Moana, 661-4304. Practice, 7 p.m. July 3; service, 7 p.m.; floating lantern ceremony, 7:50 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. July 7.

Lahaina Shingon Mission, 682 Luakini St., 661-0466. Practice, 7 p.m. June 19; church centennial celebration service, 6 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. June 23.

Makawao Hongwanji Mission, 1074 Makawao Ave., 572-7229. Practice, 7:15 p.m. June 11, 14, 18, 21; service, 6:30 p.m.; dance, 7:30 p.m. July 20-21.

Paia Mantokuji Soto Mission (Maui), 281 Hana Hwy., 579-8051. Practice, 7 p.m. June 21; service, 6:30 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. July 13-14.

Paia Rinzai Sen Mission, Lower Paia, 579-9921. Practice, 7 p.m. July 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, 31, Aug. 2, 7, 9, 14, 16; service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. Aug. 18.

Puunene Nichiren Mission, 9 Ani St., 871-4831. Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. June 16.

Wailuku Hongwanji Mission, 1828 Vineyard St., 244-0406. Practice, 7:30 p.m. July 16-18, 23-24; service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. July 27-28.

Wailuku Jodo Mission, 67 Central Ave., 244-0066. Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. June 22.

Wailuku Shingon Mission, 1939 North St., 244-3800. Service, 6:30 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. Aug. 17.

 | | |

Molokai

Molokai Guzeiji Soto Mission, Kaunakakai, 553-5197. Service, 7 p.m. July 6; dance, 6:30 p.m. July 7.

 | | |

Big Island

Hakalau Jodo Mission, 963-6110. Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. June 16.

Hamakua Jodo Mission, Paauhau Mauka, 775-0965. Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. Aug. 2.

Hilo Hooganji Mission, 457 Manono St., 935-8331. Service, 6:30 p.m.; dance, 8-11 p.m. July 28.

Hilo Meishoin, 97 Olona St., 935-6996. Practice, 7 p.m. July 10, 12; service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. July 14.

Hilo Nichiren Mission, Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. Aug. 18.

Hilo Taishoji Soto Mission, 275 Kinoole St., 935-8407. Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 7:30 p.m. July 21.

Honohina Hongwanji Mission, 963-6032. Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. Aug. 25.

Honokaa Hongwanji Mission, 45-5016 Plumeria St., 775-7232. Practice, 7:30 p.m. June 7, 14, 21, 28; service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. July 21.

Honomu Hongwanji Mission, 963-6032. Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. June 30.

Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin, 398 Kilauea Ave., 961-6677. Practice, 7 p.m. May 29, June 5, 12, 19, 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. Aug. 3-4.

Kamuela Hongwanji Mission, Kamuela, 885-4481. Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. Aug. 18.

Keei Hongwanji Fukyojo, Keei. Service, 6 p.m.; dance, 7 p.m. June 30.

Kohala Hongwanji Mission, 775-7232. Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. July 7.

Kohala Jodo Mission, Kapaau, 889-6719. Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. July 14.

Kona Daifukuji Soto Mission, Honalo, Kona, 322-3524. Practice, 7:30 p.m. July 3, 5, 10, 12; dance, 7:30 p.m. July 14; service, 9:30 a.m. July 15.

Kona Hongwanji Mission, 81-6630 Mamalahoa Hwy., 323-2993. Service/lantern parade, 6:30 p.m.; dance, 7 p.m. July 7.

Kona Soto Mission Daifukuji, Honalo, next to Teshima's Restaurant, 322-3524. Practice, 7:30 p.m. June 28, July 3, 5; dance, 7:30 p.m. July 14; service, 9:30 a.m. July 15.

Kurtistown Jodo Mission, Iwasaki Camp Road, 966-9777. Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. July 28.

Paauilo Hongwanji Mission, Paauilo, 776-1369. Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. July 14.

Papaikou Hongwanji Mission, Kalaoa, 964-1640. Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. June 23.

Puna Hongwanji Mission, Keaau, 966-9981. Practice, 7 p.m. July 5; service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. July 7.

Taishoji Soto Mission, 275 Kinoole St., 935-8407. Practice, 7 p.m. June 5, 12, 26, July 3, 10; service, 7 p.m.; dance, 7:30 p.m. July 21.

 | | |

Kauai

Kapaa Hongwanji Mission, 1170 Kuhio Hwy., 822-4667. Dance, 8 p.m. Aug. 3-4.

Kapaa Jodo Mission, 4524 Hauaala Rd., 822-4319. Practice, 7-8 p.m. 29; service, 6 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. July 20-21.

Kauai Soto Zen Temple Zenshuji, Hanapepe, 335-3521. Practice, 7 p.m. tomorrow; service, 6 p.m.; dance, 7:30 p.m. July 27-28.

Koloa Jodo Mission, 3480 Waikomo Rd., 742-6735. Practice, 7 p.m. tomorrow; service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. June 22-23.

Lihue Hongwanji Mission, Kapaia, 245-6262. Practice, 7:30 p.m. tomorrow; service, 9 a.m. July 1; food booths, 6 p.m.; dance, 7:45 p.m. July 6-7.

Waimea Higashi Hongwanji, 9554-C Kaumualii Hwy., 338-1847. Dance, 8 p.m. Aug. 10-11.

Waimea Shingon Mission, 3770-A Pule Rd., 338-1854. Dance, 8 p.m. July 13-14.

West Kauai Hongwanji Koloa Temple, 338-1537. Service, 1 p.m. June 10; dance, 8 p.m. June 15-16.

West Kauai Hongwanji Hanapepe Temple, 338-1537. Service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. June 29-30.

West Kauai Hongwanji Waimea Temple, 4675 Menehune Rd., Waimea, 338-1537. Practice, 7 tonight and June 4; service, 7 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. June 8-9.