It is August 15th in Japan. My Japanese friend told me it was a comfortable sunny day in Japan.
I was happy to hear that.
Interestingly, here in Arizona, we had a comfortable sunny day too.
As I wrote in my previous article, August 15th is the day when we see our ancestors’ spirits off, back to the spirit world. Besides, it is a very special day for Japanese people as the anniversary of the end of World War II.
I felt our ancestors’ spirits had spent good times with their dependents during Obon, and they went back to the spirit world safely and peacefully.
I recall my childhood days.
It was our annual routine for my family and me to go to the local harbor to see them off. They put some offerings and candles on some small wooden ships floated on the ocean. Along with the Buddhism monk, we prayed for our ancestors’ safe return back to the spirit world. After the prayer, we were supposed to go back home straight, without stopping by any stores or anything. We were told not to turn back. Our turning back will make our ancestors feeling sad. It will make them hard to leave.
I believe the departed spirits have their own life routines in the spirit world. They cannot keep thinking of their loved ones on Earth. We have to let them enjoy their life in their world.
Moderation is the key for any relationships to keep. It can be applied not only to the relationship with spirits living in the spirit world, but also to the relationship between living humans on Earth.
Instead of missing specific somebody too much, we should cherish and enjoy every moment and every encounter in our daily life.
Let’s live our life on Earth to the maximum. We will see the departed spirits again soon; either in our dream world or the time after our lifetime is done.
♬ Any feedback? (^^♪
three wisdom 