Memorial Hall

As the saying goes: all charities begin at home.  As Buddhist followers of The Three Gems, we are obliged to put our parents before all matters.  When they are still alive, it is our duty to take care of them with loving kindness and introduce to them the wisdom found in Buddhist teaching.  When they pass on, it is our duty to ensure that their spirits remain close by setting up memorial tablets in the temple and offer them blessings through chanting and offerings.

Driven by devotion and compassion of our members, the Memorial Hall of Filial Piety finally took shape last year.  Devotees are now able to make offerings to their ancestors’ spirits at the temple, a place where they are able to offer merits to their loved ones. Offerings are made at sunrise and sundown as well as on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar months.  Major dharma ceremonies are also performed on designated days which are devoted specifically to the deceased.

Funeral Service and Dharma Ceremonies for the Deceased

These services are for the sole purpose of expressing gratitude to our ancestors for all they had done for us.  Chanting for the deceased and making offerings at appropriate dharma ceremonies are the easiest ways to benefit the deceased.

It is stated in the Earth Sutra that when a person passes on and before he/she is reborn, family members may assist the spirit during the transitional phase of 49 days.  Any offerings of chanting, vegetarian meals will benefit both the spirit of the dead and merit of the alive.

It is also stated that those who make these offerings will benefit much in terms of merits.  In addition, family members are reminded that on the day of passing on they should refrain from offering meat of any kind as killing this will result in bad karma being committed, a deed not only does little good but will only lead to negative outcomes.