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1. Reciting prayers before cleaning the ancestral altar
Before cleaning the ancestral altar, homeowners should light incense and recite prayers as follows:
Namo Amitabha Buddha!
Namo Amitabha Buddha!
Namo Amitabha Buddha!
I humbly bow to the 9 celestial directions, the 10 directions of Buddhas, and the Buddhas of the 10 directions
I humbly bow to the celestial king, the Heavenly Emperor, the Earthly Empress, the five directions, the five elements, the dragon veins, the earth spirits, and the Guardian Spirit of the Eastern Capital
My allegiance lies with:………………
Residing at:…………………
I humbly bow to the ancestral spirits, the nine generations of mystical ancestors, ancestral mothers and grandmothers, grandfathers, maternal grandmothers, and paternal grandfathers of the X family lineage, at…… (address)
Today is the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month (or the 30th day of the 12th lunar month), I seek permission to rearrange the ancestral altar to make it clean to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new year, hoping for the approval of the Holy Buddhas, the ancestral spirits, the ancestral mothers and grandmothers, grandfathers, maternal grandmothers, and paternal grandfathers of the X family lineage
Homage to Amitabha Buddha
Homage to Amitabha Buddha
Homage to Amitabha Buddha
After more than half a week of burning incense, you can proceed to clean the incense bowl and the ancestral altar.
2. Instructions for replacing the incense bowl
Once the incense bowl has been lit, the homeowner places it on a clean altar, absolutely avoiding any dirt. On the 23rd and 30th days of the lunar month, when rearranging the altar, the homeowner must kneel, seek permission, and only a few items are allowed to be moved, such as the copper incense burner, flower vase, lamp, water cup,... without disturbing the arrangement of offerings and incense bowls.
When cleaning your altar, candle holders, and offerings, it's essential to keep them clean to prevent any negative energy. Use a clean cloth dampened with ginger-infused alcohol to wipe them down. Remember, not all traditions prohibit moving the incense holder. Depending on your region, some still place it down and clean it as usual.
If you have too many incense sticks, leave just five. Dispose of the used ones by burning them and then scatter the ashes in a river or stream.
When discarding incense ashes, always scatter them in a river or stream, never in a trash bin. According to ancient beliefs, doing so will invite bad luck into your home.
During rituals, open the door wide, light the lamps, pour wine and water, then light the incense and make offerings. It's advisable to burn three or five incense sticks as odd numbers belong to the Yang, suitable for worshiping. Avoid using too much incense, as it may attract unwanted spirits and disrupt your prayers to the deities and ancestors. Ensure the incense burns evenly without blowing on it; instead, gently fan the flames with your hand.
If the incense extinguishes during your worship, relight it without altering its state. Avoid extinguishing and relighting it, as it may diminish the spiritual efficacy of your offerings.
Above are instructions on how to clean your altar for the Lunar New Year according to Feng Shui principles. Remember these tips for reference and implementation. Don't forget to follow Mytour for quick updates on useful information.
