Joined: 10/6/2012
Posts: 924
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Hi, everyone.
I thought that you'd like to see a photo from yesterday. It's attached below.
My daughter and I went to a Buddhist ceremony yesterday in NYC for my husband. It was a service for the recently departed, and the intention was to pray so that his spirit could move on to a life without pain or suffering. It was such a beautiful experience, about an hour and a half. I sobbed through most of it, but luckily I was in a space where no judgments were passed.
The photo shows a table where people began to place offerings of flowers and food.
Hugs, Debra.
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Joined: 12/4/2011
Posts: 21306
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You explained this on another post, yes? I am interested especially since my husband talked about Buddhist priests often.
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Joined: 2/20/2014
Posts: 294
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Thank you for sharing and the photo, Debra! So beautiful and comforting.
Patrick
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Joined: 10/6/2012
Posts: 924
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Dickson and I usually went each week to the Kadampa Buddhist Meditation Center. We learned to approach situations in a different manner, and I found that as Dickson's health continued to decline that I was able to approach things with a more kind and patient approach. I am far, far away from being that way 24/7, but I'm working on it!
At our center, there are no priests or monks. We believe that Buddha was a teacher and that he continues to have many disciples who in turn teach us. At yesterday's ceremony, the head teacher and a few of the other teachers led the way. It was mostly singing and some meditation. In Buddhism, there is a belief that the spirit leaves the nest (body) at death and goes to the next nest. If you've lived a good life and acquired the seeds of karma, you'll be in a better position to be born again as a human, which is the most precious life. At the ceremony, the goal was to have an intention during our meditation and prayers that the spirit of the deceased moves onto a human life where they will be whole and free from their pain and suffering.
If you are interested, I would recommend that you look to see if there is a Buddhist meditation center in your neighborhood. Usually, once each month they have a ceremony called Powa Prayers for the Recently Diseased. There is no charge. You should just bring some vegetarian food (cake, fruit, etc.) to share, some flowers, and a photo of your loved one.
Take care, Debra.
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Joined: 12/4/2011
Posts: 21306
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thank you
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Joined: 2/13/2013
Posts: 2965
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I think that was a beautiful thing you did. And, I am sure the crying helped. I know it helps me, everyday! LJ
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Joined: 12/15/2011
Posts: 4122
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Lovely.
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