Obon

Its been two years since I attended the local SLO Obon Matsuri at the Veteran's Hall here in town.  Long story short, when I started my current project I started going to the local Buddhist Temple to not only research but make connections.  The first time I went I was a bit overwhelmed, I had fun, but I suppose I felt a bit sheepish being put in the spotlight when several members pushed me into doing Taiko and some volunteering.  Its only now I realize that they were trying to help me feel included, but I have hated being pushed into doing anything since I was a kid.  So, I stopped going, and haven't been back.

This year however, I took the trip and it was well worth it.  Delicious food, great people, etc.  There were a lot of Japanese people here from all over California, all participating in various capacities.  It was a very warm sunny day, but everyone took it in stride.  I saw a really amazing Bonsai demonstration where a very, very aged gentleman took a standard Juniper plant and transformed it into a lovely fledgling Bonsai within about 30 minutes.  It was amazing to watch this tiny, frail looking man with almost shivering fingers working his magic.  He had all assortment of strange tools from chopsticks to a ground down trowel and other various things.  His son stood by and explained each step he was taking.  It was lost on me, but it was fascinating to watch.

Then there was the Kendo.  I've always wanted to take Kendo, but now I am not so sure.  Watching the master on the stage with his high yells really was impressive.  You could feel the pounding on the floor every time he lept forwards and started beating against the other students with his wooden stick.  Finally was the food and vendors.  There's not a lot in terms of Japanese "stuff" per say.  Some book vendors, t-shirts, etc.  There's pretty good food and of course information on the local temple.  The older priest I recall from last time was not there, but there was a very young one in his place.  He spoke Japanese beautifully, and it made me a little jealous that he's that good, because in his place I'd be off working in Japan.  In any case, I enjoyed myself, but now I am left with a new quandary:  do I return to the temple?

My reasons would be very just.  I want to enjoy meeting and learning about Japanese culture locally.  The only problem is I understand nothing of the chants and they wear on my ears.   The temple proper has a very small group of people in it, mostly older, but that's not a bad thing in the least.  Its an inroad to a larger aspect of something I love.  Even if I am a Catholic, there are aspects of Buddhism that appeal to me.  We will have to see tommorow morning, though part of me is scared to answer why I was gone so long if someone asked.  Most of the people there I recall didn't seem to recognize me, maybe that's good for now.  A fresh start.