The first Obon light ceremony took place in Hokuozan Sogenji, a simple version of the traditional one which uses instruments and a complex way of reciting sutras. The yaza porch KoUnShuGetsu "Plowing Clouds - planting moon seeds" was prepared with lanterns and an altar. 

Both zazenkai people and sangha members joined, remembering dear ones passed away, reciting the heart sutra and sitting together in silence.

Some individual lanterns were lit while sitting from the passing of daylight into the night. This precious moment when the dualistic world again melts into the oneness of the night.