初盆 (はつぼん), or hatsubon, is the first obon after a loved one passes away. Obon (お盆) or just Bon (盆) is a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the spirits of one's ancestors, and include bon dances (盆踊り). This year is Jennifer's hatsubon, and it came upon us so fast, I'm very grateful that my dad and Gayle remembered to include her in our family temple's services, along with my Uncle Ted. Jen greatly appreciated Hawaii's many colorful cultures, and I know she would have been deeply moved to see her name on an otoba (大塔婆) and lantern. I certainly was. It was also nice to see the temple community in person again, including our taiko class classmates, who kindly remembered Jen's curiosity and enthusiasm, and shared a photo of Jen I'd never seen before. A surprisingly special evening. #hatsubon #obon #otoba #toba #stupa #obon #bon #buddhism #buddhist #waipahu #oahu #honolulu #hawaii (at Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji 曹洞宗 松嶽山 大陽寺) https://www.instagram.com/p/CgTru2UO2cs/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=