April 16, 2007
Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/archive/2007/April/16/local/stories/01local.htm
WATSONVILLE — The Watsonville Buddhist Temple opened its doors Sunday to celebrate spring with food, demonstrations and a display of history. Known as Hanamatsuri, the event also commemorates the birth of Buddha, which falls on April 8.
The temple's minister, the Rev. Shousei Hanayama, said he hoped the event brought joy to the community.
"It's Buddha's birthday. We try to celebrate and share our happiness with others," Hanayama said.
The temple moved the date of the festival this year so it would not coincide with Easter.
"Adjustment is a big part of Buddhism," Hanayama said. "We try to make harmony in this world."