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. If you’re not already on a Toban please consider volunteering (more information in the About MBT Toban section).
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ABOUT MBT TOBANS
Tobans are a group of 6-8 people that are assigned to help during a 2 month period of the year. During these 2 months the toban prepares one otoki (light meal) after one of our special services and assists at memorial services (Hoji or Shoji) by making tea and coffee and placing foods provided by the family onto serving tables.
Each group has a toban leader that will notify the members of their group of any memorial services where help is needed, generally only 2-3 people are needed to assist at the memorials. The toban leader will also alert you when your Otoki date is approaching.
The Otoki Schedule
- 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
Volunteer for a Toban
PLEASE CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING! If you would like to volunteer for a Toban or want more information contact the office or send an email to toban@mbtchicago.org and someone will get back to you.

RECIPES FOR OTOKI
This page contains the menu suggestions and instructions for the various “Otoki” events that Tobans support. There may be more than one menu option for an event. It is up to the Toban to choose what to prepare or the Toban can decide to make something completely different!
(Property of Midwest Buddhist Temple Women’s Association (MBTWA). All rights reserved.)
MBT KITCHEN VIDEOS
How to use the MBT Kitchen Woks

