Hungry Ghost & 7th Month
-
Many Chinese believe that during this period, the gates of hells are flung open and the occupants are released for a month long vacation. Common folks make all kinds of offerings - food, alcohol, Chinese opera, puppet shows, pop concerts, getai, etc.
Is Buddhism related to this?
What do non-Buddhists think of this belief? -
http://www.jenchen.org.sg/vol5no1a.htm
Ullambana Dharma - not Festival of Hungry Ghosts
By Venerable Shen-Kai
According to a popular Chinese superstition, ghosts are released from hell in the 7th month of the Chinese calendar for a one-month break in the human world. In order to appease them, animals are slaughtered and offered to these 'hungry ghosts', together with other food. Big feasts and other festivities are held during this month and the most 'auspicious day' is the 15th day of the month. It is so widespread that this yearly affair is dubbed the Month or Festival of the Hungry Ghosts. What is this all about?
Among the chief disciples of the Buddha was one named Maudgalyayana. He had immense supernatural powers: Deva-foot ubiquity which made it possible for him to appear at any place at will, the divine sight of Deva-eye to have unlimited vision of all things, large and small, near and distant; Deva-ear to hear all sounds regardless of the distance. Furthermore, he had the ability to read and understand whatever was in a person's mind. He also had the ability to see clearly the events that occurred in a person's many past lives aeons ago. Thus, Maudgalyayana is considered to be a Maha-Bodhisattva who is foremost in supernatural powers.
One day, his Deva-eye saw that his deceased mother had transmigrated to the realm of the hungry ghost. Her stomach was enlarged and she had tiny limbs. Her throat was as small as the eye of a needle, and as a result, it was impossible for her to eat any food or even to swallow a drop of water. Maudgalyayana could not bear the sight of his mother in such an extreme state of suffering. He immediately filled his alms bowl with food and with the immense power that he possessed, he sent it to his mother. However, she could not have the food because each time it turned into charcoal before she could put it in her mouth. It hurt Maudgalyayana to see what was happening and because of his strong emotion for his mother, it hindered his ability to see the karma that she had committed in her past lives. He went to Buddha for advice. The Buddha closed his eyes and entered into pure contemplation. With great compassion and gentleness, he said: "Maudgalyayana, your mother did not believe in the retributions arising from the law of cause and effect. She committed many evil deeds. She dishonoured the Buddha and insulted the Sangha [1], had no respect for the Three Treasures (Buddha, Dharma and Sangha), was greedy, filled with hatred, ignorant and arrogant. She was a wicked person who committed many evils, and she teased others giving them no peace. Therefore, she is suffering such a bitter consequence. Even though you are her son and your filial piety touches the heavens, these are still not able to save a person who had committed such serious evil karma." On hearing this, Maudgalyayana wept in pain.Notes
The Buddha continued to console him, "It is impossible to rely solely on your own effort to save your mother from the realm of the hungry ghost. The only way is to use the combined merits of the Sangha. The 15th day of the 7th month of each year is designated "Buddha's Joy Day". This is the last day of the Sangha's summer retreat, and because of the purity with which the Sangha observed the precepts and practised cultivation, many attain the Bodhi [2]. The merits that they accumulate are immense beyond imagination, and the Buddha is most delighted. If you make an offering to these Sangha during this time, you can liberate your deceased parents and relatives from the suffering of the three evil realms (realms of animal, hungry ghost and hell) through their immense merits. If the parents are still living, then they shall be blessed with good health, happiness and a life of abundance. This is the truly marvellous method of giving salvation to the deceased." Maudgalyayana was delighted to hear this, and carried out the Buddha's advice accordingly. Thus, on the 15th of the 7th month after the offering to the Sangha, Maudgalyayana's mother was liberated from the suffering of the realm of the hungry ghost.
1. Sangha
The corporate assembly of at least 3 monks; in general the term has come to mean a monk, or monks.
2. Bodhi
From budh; knowledge, understanding; perfect wisdom; the illuminated or enlightened mind.
To give offering to the Sangha in this way is called the 'Ullambana' method. After Maudgalyayana received the benefits from this Dharma, he was very grateful to the Buddha and praised the merits of the Three Treasures. He advised people to promote the 'Ullambana Dharma'. This day, the 15th of the 7th month, can also be considered an occasion to express our gratitude and filial piety to our parents and ancestors. Unfortunately, the passage of time saw a gradual erosion in its understanding and purpose, so much so that this special occasion is not performed in accordance to the Dharma. Today, this auspicious celebration has become a day of widespread slaughter of animals to be used as offering to the hungry ghosts. The original act of performing offerings to the Sangha has become a day for feasting and making offerings to the hungry ghosts, often referred to as 'to invite the good brothers to a feast'. These practices are not only against the compassion of the Buddha, but also a let down to Maudgalyayana who had advised the world to be filial and to perform good deeds.
When we refrain from killing and protect all lives, we actually accumulate the merit of longevity and good health. It is meaningless to kill other living beings and offer them to the ghost, because they cannot benefit from these at all. Instead, those who kill shall have to repay for their action by suffering endlessly in hell. Unless we put an end to all forms of killing, the world forever shall not have peace. If the tradition of offering to the ghosts and the deceased on this day cannot be changed, the least we could do is to replace the slaughter and offer of meat with vegetarian food, flowers or fruits. It does not matter if we are not able to make offerings to the Sangha on this day, but at least we could invite them to chant the sutra for the purpose of liberating the deceased. In this way, it benefits both the living and the deceased. -
The Buddha's happy day
To Buddhists, the seventh lunar month is a month of joy. This is because the fifteen day of the seventh month is the Buddha's joyful day and the day of rejoice for monks.
The origins of the Buddha's joyful day can be found in the scriptures. When the Buddha was alive, his disciples meditated in the forests of India during the rainy season of summer. Three months later, on the fifteen day of the seventh month, they would emerge from the forests to celebrate the completion of their meditation and report their progress to the Buddha. Because the number of monks who attained enlightenment during that period was high, the Buddha was very pleased.
Refer to AEN's above posting about Mahamaudgalyayana saves his mother from hell
A difference between the two festivals
Chinese Buddhists often say that there is a difference between Ullambana and the traditional Chinese Zhongyuan Jie, usually saying people have mixed superstitions (such as burning joss paper items) and delusional thoughts, rather than think that Ullambana is actually a time of happiness.[citation needed] This time of happiness is sometimes used as a reason for the festival to be called as the Chinese Halloween.
Found in wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival
Burning joss sticks and paper items are not originated from Buddhism. Such practice belongs to the Chinese common folkare practice. In fact, one does not necessarily need to burn incense in a Buddhist temple.. -
So Chinese folklores and superstitions are muddled up with Buddhism. Why are Buddhist temples not discouraging the burning of paper money, joss-sticks and so on?Originally posted by Isis:A difference between the two festivals
Chinese Buddhists often say that there is a difference between Ullambana and the traditional Chinese Zhongyuan Jie, usually saying people have mixed superstitions (such as burning joss paper items) and delusional thoughts, rather than think that Ullambana is actually a time of happiness.[citation needed] This time of happiness is sometimes used as a reason for the festival to be called as the Chinese Halloween.
Burning joss sticks and paper items are not originated from Buddhism. Such practice belongs to the Chinese common folkare practice. In fact, one does not necessarily need to burn incense in a Buddhist temple.. -
They must also discourage people from burning incense so that they will fall asleep during meditation.Originally posted by TheGoodEarth:So Chinese folklores and superstitions are muddled up with Buddhism. Why are Buddhist temples not discouraging the burning of paper money, joss-sticks and so on? -
'cos the commoners would feel more at ease to burn paper money and paper . They would always prefer to have the ling4 ke3 xing4 qi2 you3 (lit. rather believed that it happened, in this case the benefits of burning papers stuffs to the deceased) attitude.Originally posted by TheGoodEarth:So Chinese folklores and superstitions are muddled up with Buddhism. Why are Buddhist temples not discouraging the burning of paper money, joss-sticks and so on?
And those rituals that some temples have which involve in burning papers stuffs usually have a small fees for the devotees to pay. This is one way for them to generate income. -
Buddhist temples do discourage burning of paper money. As for joss sticks, joss sticks is part of an offering of incense to buddhas and bodhisattvas and symbolises the fragrance of 'dao de', but we do not offer incense to ghosts and spirit deities.Originally posted by TheGoodEarth:So Chinese folklores and superstitions are muddled up with Buddhism. Why are Buddhist temples not discouraging the burning of paper money, joss-sticks and so on?
You must also be able to distinguish what is a taoist temple and what is a buddhist monastery. It is unfortunate that alot of people don't even know what's the difference.
KMSPKS, the largest Buddhist monastery in Singapore, has also asked people not to burn things in accordance to chinese traditions in their grounds. -
I supposed the various traditions of Buddhism have incorporated local customs, rituals, ceremonies, folklores, legends and festivities. So, I am not surpised that Taoism has 'inflitrated' Mahayana Buddhism since Taoism had been around long before Buddhism.
In short, you can't change the practice of tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. It is in the cultural DNA. So, there is no 'pure' Buddhism just like as there is no longer 'pure' Christianity! -
so what is pure buddhism to you?Originally posted by TheGoodEarth:I supposed the various traditions of Buddhism have incorporated local customs, rituals, ceremonies, folklores, legends and festivities. So, I am not surpised that Taoism has 'inflitrated' Mahayana Buddhism since Taoism had been around long before Buddhism.
In short, you can't change the practice of tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. It is in the cultural DNA. So, there is no 'pure' Buddhism just like as there is no longer 'pure' Christianity! -
Originally posted by TheGoodEarth:
Taoism has not infiltrated Mahayana Buddhism at all.
I supposed the various traditions of Buddhism have incorporated local customs, rituals, ceremonies, folklores, legends and festivities. So, I am not surpised that Taoism has 'inflitrated' Mahayana Buddhism since Taoism had been around long before Buddhism.
It is only people confusing Taoism with Buddhism, that is the problem.In short, you can't change the practice of tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. It is in the cultural DNA. So, there is no 'pure' Buddhism just like as there is no longer 'pure' Christianity!
There is pure Buddhism. Wherever pure dharma is taught, there is pure Buddhism. Buddhism is not fixed in form and can easily adapt to different cultures, and has no problem with that, and does not in any way stain the purity of the dharma.
I must again emphasize that all true Buddhists, Mahayana or otherwise do not partake in any sort of superstitions and superstitious rites that belong to the Chinese folks tradition. -
Originally posted by TheGoodEarth:
i think u are talking of other folk believes. actually, the founder of Taoism is LaoZi.
.. since Taoism had been around long before Buddhism.According to Chinese tradition, Laozi lived in the 6th century BC. Many historians contend that Laozi actually lived in the 4th century BC...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lao_Tzu
while for Buddha:Life of Siddhartha Guatama, the historical Buddha: conventional dates: 566-486 B.C.E.
http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/b_chron-txt.htm
/\ -
you better feed them well.
-
It isn't Buddhism, a religion that incorporated local customs and ritual etc. It is the People who incorporated local customs and mix it with Buddhism but the end product isn't Buddhism. Authentic Buddhist temple does not practice superstitious beliefs. Buddhism originates from India and Taoism originates from China. Taoism has never infiltrated into Buddhism.Originally posted by TheGoodEarth:I supposed the various traditions of Buddhism have incorporated local customs, rituals, ceremonies, folklores, legends and festivities. So, I am not surpised that Taoism has 'inflitrated' Mahayana Buddhism since Taoism had been around long before Buddhism.
In Buddhism, we have different schools on Buddhism, not only Mahayana.The three main schools in Asia are Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana.
Have u ever visit these temples to find out what's exactly is Buddhism? Try going for Dharma talk by venerable to find out what is Buddhism ?Originally posted by TheGoodEarth:In short, you can't change the practice of tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. It is in the cultural DNA. So, there is no 'pure' Buddhism just like as there is no longer 'pure' Christianity!
According to Kalama Sutra,
"Rely not on the teacher/person, but on the teaching. Rely not on the words of the teaching, but on the spirit of the words.
Rely not on theory, but on experience.Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. Do not believe anything because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything because it is written in your religious books.
Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and
elders.
But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and the benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it."
The essence of Buddhism hasn't been distorted even though it has assimilated into local culture. Note: Authentic Buddhism does not adopt locals superstitious beliefs. -
The three main schools in Asia are Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana.
Actually the three main schools in the world.
-
How do u distinguish a taoist temple and Buddhist temple? Sometime, there is a Kwan Yin Pusa Statue in the temple and people mistake it as a Buddhist Temple.Originally posted by An Eternal Now:Buddhist temples do discourage burning of paper money. As for joss sticks, joss sticks is part of an offering of incense to buddhas and bodhisattvas and symbolises the fragrance of 'dao de', but we do not offer incense to ghosts and spirit deities.
You must also be able to distinguish what is a taoist temple and what is a buddhist monastery. It is unfortunate that alot of people don't even know what's the difference.
KMSPKS, the largest Buddhist monastery in Singapore, has also asked people not to burn things in accordance to chinese traditions in their grounds. -
A Buddhist Monastery is where a Buddhist sangha congregate, and dharma is taught.Originally posted by Isis:How do u distinguish a taoist temple and Buddhist temple? Sometime, there is a Kwan Yin Pusa Statue in the temple and people mistake it as a Buddhist Temple.
If there is Guan Yin Pu Sa, but along with other chinese deities and gods that people worship, that is not a Buddhist monastery. -
My colleague last night heard about some chatting voice in her room. She had similar encountered when she felt that a ghost trying to strangle her neck. It eventually disappear after she chant namoamituofo.
for your info, she is just a "pray pray" buddhist.
Actually during this chinese 7th month, I think the number of ghosts wondering around should become more also. It is not due to what "hell gate" being opened, but because of the people who believe and keep on thinking and talking about "they are coming", together with the offering of foods, burning of incents, candles that indeed attract them to come. -
So the 7th month festivities have got nothing to do with Buddhism? But Buddhists believe there are Hungry Ghosts.
-
The festivities have nothing to do with Buddhism, but yes, in Buddhism there are the six realms and there are hungry ghosts..Originally posted by TheGoodEarth:So the 7th month festivities have got nothing to do with Buddhism? But Buddhists believe there are Hungry Ghosts. -
Buddhism has nothing to do with the Chinese's version of hungry Ghost Festival.Originally posted by TheGoodEarth:So the 7th month festivities have got nothing to do with Buddhism? But Buddhists believe there are Hungry Ghosts.
There is not only Ghosts but also Deva ( divine beings ) in Buddhism. As a Buddhist, you can choose to believe it or not.
There are sutra that spoke about it; lot of things on there topic.
Since you can't see ghost (right?), the chances of you being skeptical about it could be high. However, do keep an open mind in something that you had never encountered as it hasn't be totally unproven too. -
Yes, On the other hand, there are many unexplained encounters with such beings too by lots of people. For me I do certainly believe in ghosts' existence from my own personal experiences/encounter.Originally posted by Isis:However, do keep an open mind in something that you had never encountered as it hasn't be totally unproven too. -
Interesting, AEN, share your experiences if you can or was it described in other threads before?
-
2nd night.
-
Used to live in a rented house for a short period of time about 8 years ago (when I was 9)... the house has a very dark and creepy feeling and there was nobody living there for a few years.Originally posted by atman:Interesting, AEN, share your experiences if you can or was it described in other threads before?
One night before I was asleep I was playing with my fingers on my bed, then suddenly a ghostly looking hand came up from below and moving towards me... I was totally freaked out and completely stunned and gripped by fear, didn't even dare to move or do anything. I closed my eyes and open again, it's still there, but suddenly it just gets sucked out of my sight. -
Strange that ghosts only appear at night and when you are alone. Never heard of people seeing ghosts at the Zouk.Originally posted by An Eternal Now:Used to live in a rented house for a short period of time about 8 years ago (when I was 9)... the house has a very dark and creepy feeling and there was nobody living there for a few years.
One night before I was asleep I was playing with my fingers on my bed, then suddenly a ghostly looking hand came up from below and moving towards me... I was totally freaked out and completely stunned and gripped by fear, didn't even dare to move or do anything. I closed my eyes and open again, it's still there, but suddenly it just gets sucked out of my sight.
Hmmm...... I wonder those at the getai seen any ghosts?