The Obon tradition arose from the story of Mahamaudgalyayana (Mogallana in Pali) and his mother in the Ullambana Sutra. The mother has fallen into a terrible state in the afterlife, and the Buddha advises Mogallana that the only way to assist her is to make offerings to the monks at the end of their rainy season retreat. When Mogallana does so, his mother’s suffering is relieved, causing him to clap his hands and dance for joy.

This story became popular in China for its theme of family respect, and Obon has been held in Japan since 657 CE to express gratitude to our departed loved ones and ancestors.

From a Shin Buddhist perspective, the occasion is not about making supernatural requests or offerings to ghosts. The Ullambana story is a call to reflect on all those who came before us and consider what they gave to our world so we could be here today. Realizing this compassion beyond ourselves, like Mogallana, we are brought to dance joyfully in gratitude.