2025 Giving In Gratitude - Honoring Our Past

A Time To Remember and Honor

Obon is a time to remember and honor those who have helped to shape our lives. We must acknowledge that much of our courage, strength and compassion are rooted within our families and loved ones.

The San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin is celebrating Obon with our traditional community festival on July 12 and 13. This year, the focus of Giving In Gratitude continues to be on the new Dharma Center to Honor Our Past, Appreciate the Present and Build for the Future. The new two-story education/community center will be built immediately south of the existing building, allowing the current building to be used until the new one is completed, ensuring that current temple and community activities will continue without interruption. Groundbreaking is scheduled for the end of this year.

The Betsuin has been a community center ever since the temple was founded in 1902. Many religious, social and cultural activities were founded and fostered at the Betsuin. The new Dharma Center building will ensure that these community programs and services will continue and grow for future generations.

Give In Gratitude

Obon is our time to reflect on all that we have and express our gratitude to those who paved our roads, built our communities and provided the foundations for our lives. In the spirit of Obon, we hope you find this way of giving both meaningful and valuable. You may choose to donate In Memory Of (remembering a loved one), In Honor Of (recognizing a special person/group) or with any sentiment you choose.

Please join together in commemorating Obon.