Garden Renovation Completed
Saturday, July 14, 2007

RYOKO ONISHI/Rafu Shimpo
Jodoshu North America Buddhist Mission has completed renovation of their front garden as a part of the celebration of 70th anniversary of the founding of the Northern American missionary. It is the first renovation of the garden since the temple moved to Third Street. According to Kodo Tanaka, the head minister, the garden is designed to present “Gokuraku Jodo” (paradise); the west side of the garden symbolizes “Hasuike” (lotus pond) and the east side symbolizes “Kameike” (turtle pond). In 2002, the trees in the garden had to be cut down due to security enforcement in the Little Tokyo area. This Sunday, the mission will hold an Obon/Segaki service at 11 a.m., which will also be the first opportunity for viewing the garden. “Obon is a time where we receive ancestors returning to our homes once a year. Please join us on Sunday,” said Tanaka. For more information, call (213) 346-9666.