Welcome, everyone, to this sacred Obon service. Please take a moment to look around our main hall, filled with the warm glow of these many chochin lanterns. Each lantern stands as a clear testament to your sincere cooperation and devotion. Yet, these lights carry an even deeper spiritual meaning, which we shall reflect upon together during today’s ceremony.

Every one of us walks through life carrying a quiet, hidden void within our hearts. A child can cry out loud to release their grief, but as adults, we tend to lock our sadness and sense of loss deep inside, trying to appear strong. However, accumulated pain eventually overflows, breaking down our inner walls. This temple is a sanctuary where you can safely expose that pain and allow it to heal in absolute peace.

“I am thinking of you; please look my way.” This profound longing lives within all of us as we strive to reach our departed loved ones. Yet, no matter how intensely we listen, their reassuring voice saying, “I am watching over you,” cannot be heard by our physical ears. To bridge this silent divide, generations before us poured their hearts into creating these lanterns. A chochin is a heartfelt signal from us, waving our hands to the departed and saying, “We are right here!”

You might wonder why we continue to preserve this old lantern tradition today. This custom is a warm testament of love for our ancestors that has been kept alive without interruption for centuries. Even when the world faces turmoil, and even when our home shifts to a distant, foreign land, we have strictly guarded this heritage. These lanterns are not mere festive decorations; they are a vital bridge connecting our hearts to our ancestors, and extending that sacred bond to the future.

Perhaps you have not encountered this perspective before. Yet, as I contemplate the Jodo Shinshu teachings and share in your hearts’ journeys, I hold this absolute conviction. I deeply wish for everyone who visits this temple to find real comfort and tranquility. I carry the responsibility to walk this path hand-in-hand with you. In modern society, it has become difficult to speak openly about encountering our deceased loved ones within our hearts, but here at the temple, you are free to say it. Everyone gathered here carries that identical unspoken longing. Please feel completely at ease, and meet the person most precious to you within the quiet sanctuary of your mind.

Your sacred contributions have been beautifully transformed into these lanterns, ensuring that this vital teaching is passed securely to the next generation. The Buddha never abandons a heart that seeks connection. As long as our ancestors remain alive in our memories and Amida Buddha’s infinite compassion embraces us, we can live each day with peace of mind. Let us give thanks for this precious encounter.