05/25/2026
TOKUDO ORDINATION-OBON COMMUNITY DANCE
Weekend Event Outline
**Friday, August 7 – Sunday, August 9, 2026**
# Registration Information
Please register by email at **[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])** with your anticipated attendance and the days you plan to participate.
# # # Registration Details
* Please include:
* Full name
* Temple or organization affiliation (if applicable)
* Days attending
* Participation role (Priest, Shami, Candidate, Lay Leader, Guest, Volunteer, etc.)
# # # Event Donation
Suggested event donation: **$100.00**
# # # Lodging
Hotel and lodging information will be distributed shortly.
# # # Meals
Dinner arrangements may be:
* On your own, or
* Optional “Dutch-style” group dinner gatherings
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# Friday, August 7, 2026
# # Training Day
# # # For Priests, Shami, Shami Candidates, and Lay Leaders
# # Purpose
A day dedicated to spiritual formation, clergy education, ritual training, and Sangha development in preparation for the Tokudo Ceremony and Obon observances.
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# # Suggested Schedule
| Time | Activity |
| ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------- |
| 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Registration and Morning Tea |
| 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Opening Service and Chanting |
| 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM | Welcome and Orientation |
| 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM | Session 1: Meaning of Tokudo and Clergy Conduct |
| 11:15 AM – 11:30 AM | Break |
| 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Session 2: Liturgical Training and Chanting Practice |
| 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Lunch and Fellowship |
| 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Session 3: Temple Etiquette, Robes, and Ritual Forms |
| 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM | Session 4: Lay Leadership and Sangha Support |
| 3:15 PM – 3:30 PM | Break |
| 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Tokudo Candidate Rehearsal |
| 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Questions and Discussion |
| 5:00 PM | End of Friday Training Sessions |
| Evening | Optional Dinner on Your Own or Dutch-Style Group Dinner |
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# # Training Topics
* Meaning and responsibilities of Tokudo
* Conduct and ethics of clergy and leaders
* Daily liturgy and chanting
* Ritual movement and altar etiquette
* Wearing robes and devotional items
* Sangha leadership and pastoral care
* Obon preparation and participation
* Building harmonious community practice
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# Saturday, August 8, 2026
# # Tokudo Ceremony Day
# # Purpose
Formal ordination and recognition of individuals entering the path of clergy training and Buddhist service.
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# # Suggested Schedule
| Time | Activity |
| ------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM | Morning Service and Meditation |
| 8:30 AM – 9:15 AM | Final Candidate Preparation |
| 9:15 AM – 9:45 AM | Guest Arrival and Seating |
| 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Tokudo Ceremony |
| 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Group Photos |
| 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Reception and Fellowship Lunch |
| 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Obon Festival Setup and Preparation |
| Evening | Celebration Dinner and Get Together at “Sensei House” |
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# # Ceremony Elements
* Processional entrance
* Opening chants and incense offering
* Statement of vows and aspirations
* Robe and kesa presentation
* Dharma name presentation
* Lineage acknowledgment
* Blessing and dedication of merit
* Closing chanting
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# # Saturday Afternoon Obon Preparation
# # # Suggested Setup Areas
* Lantern and altar preparation
* Dance area setup
* Booth and table arrangement
* Food preparation areas
* Vendor and community organization setup
* Memorial table or ancestor altar
* Sound system and music setup
* Parking and signage preparation
* Volunteer coordination and assignments
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# Sunday, August 9, 2026
# # Obon Service, Dance, and Community Celebration
# # Purpose
A community observance honoring ancestors, expressing gratitude, and strengthening Sangha fellowship through memorial practice, cultural celebration, and Bon Odori dancing.
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# # Suggested Schedule
| Time | Activity |
| ------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- |
| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Volunteer Arrival and Morning Preparations |
| 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM | Guest Arrival and Temple Reception |
| 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Obon Memorial Service and Ceremony |
| 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Final Festival Preparations and Volunteer Setup |
| 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Obon Dance and Community Celebration |
| 8:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Closing Remarks and Dedication of Merit |
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# # Sunday Afternoon Final Preparations
# # # Suggested Activities
* Final food and vendor preparation
* Lantern lighting and decoration setup
* Bon Odori dance area preparation
* Sound checks and music coordination
* Volunteer position assignments
* Memorial altar preparation
* Seating and hospitality arrangements
* Parking and guest assistance preparation
* Safety and cleanup coordination
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# # Suggested Obon Activities
* Bon Odori dancing
* Ancestor memorial altar
* Lantern or candle remembrance
* Temple tours and cultural education
* Food vendors and community booths
* Children’s activities and crafts
* Buddhist books and informational tables
* Dharma discussion and fellowship spaces
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# Planning and Coordination Areas
# # Administrative
* Registration and check-in
* Candidate documentation
* Volunteer coordination
* Parking and hospitality
* Photography permissions
# # Ritual Preparation
* Altar setup
* Candles, incense, bells, and instruments
* Seating arrangement
* Ceremony rehearsal
* Vestments and kesa preparation
# # Hospitality
* Meals and refreshments
* Guest lodging information
* Accessibility accommodations
* Welcome packets
# # Obon Festival Planning
* Food booths
* Dance leaders and music
* Vendor/community tables
* Children’s activities
* Memorial lanterns or ancestor altar
# # Suggested Committees
* Ritual and Liturgy
* Hospitality
* Registration
* Food Coordination
* Obon Festival Planning
* Facilities and Setup
* Communications and Promotion
* Volunteer Coordination
