Japanese Obon Ancestral Festival

In the West we often act as if people who have died have no ongoing connection with us but they remain with us in our heats and minds and continue to influence us throughout our entire lives.  Obon is an annual Japanese ritual of remembrance that offers us a deep connection, grounding, and healing.  In this way it works in similar ways to mindful representations.

Chochin (paper) lanterns are hung to guide the spirits and Obon dances (bon odori) in memory of their departed loved ones are performed. It is festival of joyful memory in which the Japanese celebrate life and their continuing relationship with those that have come before. They say that  make thinner the veil of separation between them and their departed loved ones, and they feel closer to them and nourished by them.

Other rituals such as lighting candles and chanting sutras are also performed during the weeks of the Obon. Not all rituals are necessarily religious. Many are ordinary everyday activities, which many in the West could relate to.  

• Making your mum’s favourite recipe for a family gathering.
•  Visiting your grandfather’s favourite fishing spot.
• Taking your children to a football match like your dad used to.
• Playing your departed spouse’s favourite music.

How do you connect to your departed ancestors and loved ones? Do they nourish you or do you feel depleted as you connect. Mindful Representations are a way to repair these connections so that we are nourished and can then with that extra support we can thrive more easily in our daily lives.

If you are interested in attending a workshop where you can experience this, click here