Today, January 13th, was our Hoonko Service. Hoonko Service takes place on the Sunday closest to January 16th, the day Shinran Shonin passed away. We express our appreciation for his efforts in making it possible for us to hear and receive the Dharma.
This year, the Dharma message was delivered by our guest minister, Reverend Harry Gyokyo Bridge from Buddhist Church of Oakland. Please check out our Youtube channel for his message on how to live a Shin Buddhist Life!
Today's chanting was very different from the chants for regular Sunday services. It flowed very melodiously, along with traditional Japanese instrumental music. With each "Namo Amida Butsu", paper flower petals were tossed in the air by the Sangha.
Warm bowls of buckwheat noodle were enjoyed by everyone who came downstairs after the service -- OBWA, January Toban and many other volunteers came early in the morning to prepare the delicious otoki! The basement hall was filled with the comforting scent of dashi (stock), and the happy faces of Sangha having good time!
Rev.Harry during the Hoonko Seminar the previous day.