Jodo Mission prepares for o-bon ceremony
Photographs by Richard Ambo
The Honolulu Advertiser
 In work clothes instead of their more formal vestments, Bishop Yubun Narashiba, left, and the Rev. Masaji Matsuyama put commemorative tablets in place at the Jodo Shu Betsuin as part of the o-bon season. After the death of a Buddhist, the family requests placement of a tablet, or otoba, dedicated to the memory of the loved one. There are 552 tablets at the mission this year. |
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Left: The otoba display as seen through the entranceway of the Jodo Mission of Hawaii, or Jodo Shu Betsuin.
Below: Bishop Narashiba, right, and the Rev. Matsuyama carry a specially built plywood boat that will be set adrift at sea, symbolizing the return of departed souls to the "Pure Land." The mission will conduct a toro nagashi, or lantern parade, Sunday at 8 p.m. Members will march from the mission to Pier 19. |
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