The Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin will launch its obon season next weekend, honoring the dead with bon dances followed by a series of services in July.

All events will take place at its temple, 1727 Pali Highway, also the location of the state headquarters of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, part of the Shin Buddhist sect.

In the Jodo Shinshu tradition, obon is a joyful gathering at which participants express their gratitude to ancestors and friends.

The Hawaii Betsuin newsletter, Goji, explains that obon’s origin can be traced to Ullanbana Sutra, which tells the story of Mogallana, who used his extraordinary powers to visualize his mother, who had died. He was surprised to find her suffering in the realm of the hungry ghosts. He tried to give her food and water, but as soon as she put the food into her mouth, the food burst into flames.

Mogallana then ran to seek the advice of the Buddha. The Buddha explained that although his mother was kind and gentle to him, she did not help others who needed help. The Buddha told Mogallana that it would be impossible to save his mother by himself and that he needed the combined help of all beings. Therefore, Mogallana made offerings to monks who were participating at a rainy-season retreat. The monks were appreciative and directed their accumulated virtue to save Mogallana’s mother from the hell of hungry ghosts. Upon seeing that his mother was saved, Mogallana clapped his hands and joyfully jumped up as if dancing.

Hawaii Betsuin’s bon dances are set to get underway at 6:30 p.m. Friday and June 27.

The service schedule is as follows:

» Bon service: July 5 — 8 a.m., Japanese; 10 a.m., English (combined service); 1 p.m., Japanese

» Hatsu Bon Mairi: July 12, 5 p.m.; July 19, 5 p.m.

» Combined Bon Mairi: July 11, 18 and 15, 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.; July 26, 5 p.m.

For more information, visit hawaiibetsuin.org.