From Los Angeles Buddhist Temple Federation
“Hanamatsuri”- the Commemorative Service of Buddha’s Birth - Gathering of Traditional Japanese Buddhist Temples
Los Angeles Buddhist Temple Federation, consists of seven local temples, annually observes the special service called “Hanamatsuri” to celebrate the Buddha’s birth.
According to several legends, Buddhist followers celebrate the birthday of Sakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, by pouring sweet tea upon the top of the baby - Buddha statuette, ornamented by colorful flowers, and the special service featuring this ritual is called “Hanamatsuri,” which means the flower festival in Japanese.
This year’s Hanamatsuri, titled “Responding to the Wishes of the Buddha,” will take place on Sunday, April 6 from 1:00 p.m. at Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple (505 East Third Street, Los Angeles) and this event will feature the commemorative service officiated by all priests from the affiliated temples and accompanied by Otani Gakuen, a Buddhist chorus group affiliated with Higashi Honganji.
A special sermon by Rev. Noriaki Ito, Chair of the Hanamatsuri Committee, and a group discussion among Buddhist followers from the affiliated temples will follow.
This is an opportunity for our local congregation to talk about the concerns and visions that each temple has, as well as to share our tradition with newcomers.
Member temples of Los Angeles Buddhist Temple Federation are Higashi Honganji, Jodo Shu, Koyasan, Long Beach Buddhist Church, Nichiren Shu, Nishi Hongwanji and Zenshuji.
For more information contact Rev. Noriaki Ito of Hanamatsuri Committee at (213) 626-4200 or email info@hhbt-la.org