Buzz
Ancestral worship on the 7th lunar month is a highly esteemed ritual, believed to be a day of redemption for wandering souls, allowing the deceased to visit their descendants.
This article will provide you with the 3 most widely used ancestral offerings for the July full moon:
1. Ancestral offering script for the July full moon according to the anthology by Hong Duc Publishing House
'...
Homage to Amitabha Buddha! (Repeated three times)
In reverence to the noble Eastern guardian, the divine guardian of the heavenly decree.
In reverence to our ancestors.
In reverence to the inner and outer ancestral spirits.
Today marks the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month in the year .... (Lunar calendar)
I, the faithful disciple, along with my entire family, offer our respects.
On this occasion of the Mid-Year Festival, we are moved by the immense virtues of our ancestors, grandparents, and parents who brought us into this world, nurturing us into the people we are today.
Truly, the virtuous efforts are rewarded, the heavens' grace is difficult to repay.
Before the sacred altar, humbly seeking divine mercy. May the sacred blessings witness the sincerity of our hearts, receiving offerings alongside the precious treasures of sincerity. May guardianship and guidance be bestowed upon descendants, bringing wealth and fortune, success in all endeavors, fulfilling desires, and prosperity within the family.
We respectfully invite the benevolent spirits to grace us with their presence. On the occasion of the Vu Lan Festival, we welcome the ethereal spirits to partake in our homage.
Guiding spirits, please lead the way.
With utmost reverence, we offer our words.
Homage to Amitabha Buddha! (Three times)
...'
2. Ancestral Offering Script for the July Full Moon According to Traditional Vietnamese Ancestral Worship
...
Homage to Amitabha Buddha (3 times)
I pay homage to the nine directions, ten buddhas, and ten directions of buddhas.
I pay homage to the Virtuous Earth Store Bodhisattva, the Noble Mucalinda, the Honorable Deity of Continuously Advancing.
Today is the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month...
We, the faithful disciples, are...
Residing at...
Wholeheartedly arranging flowers, offerings, and all ceremonial items, presenting them before the altar.
We wholeheartedly pay homage to the Virtuous Earth Store Bodhisattva, the Noble Mucalinda, the Honorable Deity of Continuously Advancing.
We sincerely invite Guardian Kim Niên, the Divine Guardian of Thái Tuế, the Great Kings of the Heavenly Court, the local deities, the Guardian of the Household, and all divine beings overseeing this region.
We humbly beseech your honorable presence, to preside over the court, to examine and witness the evidence.
Today, on the occasion of Vu Lan Festival, a day of reprieve for wandering souls. We are blessed by the Triple Gem, protected by the heavenly Buddha, and sheltered by the celestial beings. With immeasurable virtues, we know not how to repay.
Therefore, we offer silver incense, express our sincere gratitude, and earnestly pray for acceptance. May guardianship and guidance be bestowed upon us and our entire family, always healthy and secure, devoted to the right path, flourishing with wealth and fortune.
Expressing heartfelt sincerity, we humbly seek validation!
Nam Mô A Di Đà Phật! (Repeated thrice)
...'
3. Invocation for sentient beings on the July full moon according to traditional Vietnamese rituals
'...
Nam Mô A Di Đà Phật (3 times).
I bow to the nine directions, ten buddhas, and ten directions of buddhas.
I pay homage to the Buddha Amitabha.
I pay homage to Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara.
I bow to the Deity of the Orchard, the Guardian of the Realm of Yin.
The seventh lunar month approaches its end.
Today, sins of wandering souls are absolved.
The gates of hell open in the realm of yin.
Lost spirits wander with no home or shelter.
The Great Sage, the Enlightened One - A Nan Da Tôn Giả.
Embracing wandering souls with no graves, no tombs in all directions.
A solitary tree stands by the market entrance.
Nowhere to seek refuge on nights and days of wandering.
Year-round hunger and cold, the chill of winter.
No sturdy clothing, just thin garments shielding against the elements.
Wandering souls, roaming in all directions.
Young and old, men and women gather here in harmony.
Today, listening to the faithful's invitation.
Welcoming and enjoying every word, past and present.
Rice, soup, porridge, betel leaves, and areca nuts.
Gold, silver, clothing in various shades of red and green.
Rice, salt, fruits, real flowers, and lanterns.
Carry a little for tomorrow.
Protect the faithful, bestow wealth.
Safety, prosperity, and harmony in the household.
Remember the day sins are absolved for wandering souls.
Returning to the faithful, earnestly inviting.
Now, the enjoyment has come to an end.
Guiding the old and young to the realm beyond.
The faithful transmute precious metals.
Along with garments already divided.
Respectfully greeting the Deity.
Demonstrating virtuous deeds.
For the faithful children.
Name: ..................................
Spouse: ................................
Son: ....................................
Daughter: ............................
Residing at: ..........................
...
