Hanamatsuri, Festival of Flowers at Watsonville Buddhist Temple

By Edita McQuary

Saturday, April 5, was a special day at Watsonville’s Buddhist Temple. Hanamatsuri, the annual Festival of Flowers, has been bringing the community together for a number of years to celebrate Japanese culture.

There was an excited buzz among the visitors and the Japanese-American community as people of all ages and children happily greeted one another as they entered the Temple auditorium/gymnasium.

Hanamatsura is in honor and remembrance of the birth of Buddha in the 5th century BC in what is present-day Nepal. According to the time-worn story, his mother Queen Maya gave birth to him and “flowers spontaneously bloomed and sweet rain fell from the skies.”

In this annual spring-time celebration, the Temple opens its doors to the community to enjoy Japanese cultural arts, food, music and a tour of the Temple.

Displays of bonsai (miniature trees) and ikebana (floral arrangements) welcomed us upon entering the building. There was also a Mataro Kimekomi doll-making on show. These are tiny wooden dolls dressed in kimonos. There are classes to learn how to make these.

The Boy Scouts and children displayed their hand-crafted toys. Kokoro No Gakka (School with a Heart) is the name of the group sponsored by the Temple to teach children creative arts.

A martial arts self-defense program, Shoringi Kempo, Monterey Branch, was happening on the stage with the appropriate groans. And, as always, the well-known and beloved Watsonville Taiko Drummers were on hand to bring their unique style of entertainment to the crowd.

Japanese food (cabbage salad and bento boxes) was on sale for those who were hungry and tea was provided at no cost to the public. Hapa Bros. Asian Fusion Cuisine had their truck parked in the front for hungry visitors.

For those interested in learning about Buddhism, Reverend Jay Shinseki was the guide into the very ornate temple next door. He explained how in Buddhism all are interconnected; the world is impermanent; nothing lasts forever but what we do with each other is important.

He quoted the Buddha, “We are all finite beings so how can we treat each other with cruelty?”

The Watsonville Buddhist Temple celebrated over 100 years of sharing the teachings of the Buddha in the greater Watsonville area.

The Temple has a very simple exterior. Upon entering, one sees a traditional church configuration: a center aisle with pews on both sides of the aisle leading to the front altar area — a series of four very ornate altars. The first is a black and gold one holding a carved golden lion flanked by two smaller tables holding incense burners with small dishes of incense powder.

The incense smell is reminiscent of Catholic or Episcopal churches.

Tall flower offerings on the second level along with a bed-like golden table are accompanied by golden andirons. Following this, there is a traditional-sized ornately-carved golden altar.

The back wall is covered with four large wall hangings depicting Japanese scenes. Several large golden lamps hang in the altar area. The whole effect is extremely rich, ornate and beautiful, as if some precious divine being is being honored.

It was a great contrast to the usual minimalist Japanese style.

The Rev. Shinseki reminded us, “In an everchanging world we are dedicated to sharing with everyone the teachings of the Buddha to reach peace of mind. Together we are here to help everyone understand how we may embrace an appreciation for all that we receive in life. We welcome everyone to come and listen and share the treasures found in the Buddha’s teaching.”

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Temple services are every Sunday at 10 a.m., 423 Bridge Street, Watsonville, www.wbtemple.org.