MBT Toban
The Toban at Midwest Buddhist Temple (MBT) is a group of volunteers for various events at the temple throughout the year. Each Toban is always looking for volunteers, and it’s a way of giving back and helping keep the Temple running by supporting these events.
Toban helps with two types of events at MBT:
Otoki:
Meals that are prepared after specific events (usually Buddhist holidays) throughout the year. See the calendar below. You will work with your Toban and the Temple to help cook in the kitchen, prepare food, serve food, and clean up for Otoki. The meals have recipes in the Toban folder in the kitchen, and other members of your Toban will help you along the way. It’s a great way to learn how to cook traditional Japanese dishes.
The Otoki calendar is:
- Jan/Feb – event: Ho-onko
- Mar/Apr – event: Hanamatsuri
- May/June – event: Gotan E
- July/Aug – event: Obon
- Sept/Oct – event: Ohigan
- Nov/Dec – event: Bodhi Day
Follow this link (OTOKI page) for menu options, recipes and kitchen instructions.
Hoji/Sogi/Funeral service:
The Reverend or designate will let the Toban know if the family requests to have help. They generally request tea or request coffee, which we provide. There is a signup sheet in the binder for people to sign if they have brought food/refreshments for the table. At the end of service, bring this sheet to the Koden table so it will reach the family. The Toban may need to plate and refrigerate the food if needed and then bring it to the table with name tags, small plates, napkins, and utensils. The table should be ready for guests to partake in after the service. Watch the table throughout, ensure it stays clean, and trays are full, or removed if empty. Clean-up is required during and after. Leftovers should be given to the family unless they prefer to have the attendees take them home.
There are 6 Toban at MBT. Each Toban handles events for 2 months of the year. You can sign up for one of the 6 Toban depending on your schedule, or which Toban is lightest and needs people; up to you. There is no obligation to make it to every event during your two months, you will work with the designate or chair of your Toban, who will ensure enough people are there for Otoki or Hoji. and go from there.
If you would like to become a volunteer or learn more about MBT’s Toban, come by the info desk before or after 10:30 am Sunday Service or click the button below to contact us electronically.
