Rite for Re-installing the Incense Bowl and Replacing the Altar
Setting up a new altar; re-installing the incense bowls for deities and ancestors
Meaning
The incense bowl is the dwelling place of the spiritual. Re-installing the bowl or replacing the altar must be done with careful permission, escorting the deities and ancestors to take their seats again to bless the family with health and prosperity.
Offering preparation
- 1 sacrificial chicken, 1 boiled front pig's leg, sticky rice, wine.
- 5 raw eggs, 200g raw meat, betel and areca, rice, salt, gold flowers, robes for the deities.
- Wash the incense bowl clean; pass paper money through the dragon's eye over fire; place sticky-rice straw ash and a complementary-element jewel at the bottom.
- 5 raw eggs, 200g raw meat, betel and areca, rice, salt, gold flowers, robes for the deities.
- Wash the incense bowl clean; pass paper money through the dragon's eye over fire; place sticky-rice straw ash and a complementary-element jewel at the bottom.
Content
Namo Amitābha Buddha (3 times).
I bow to the nine directions of Heaven, the ten directions of Buddhas. I respectfully bow to the venerable spirit-deities, manifesting their power, manifesting the Dharma, with boundless magic.
Today is the …….. day of the ……. month, year …….
My name is .............................. (the faithful of ....................... at address ..........................)
I perform the rite of installing a new incense bowl (replacing the altar). My purpose is to ask for ........., to seek wealth and gain wealth, to seek fortune and gain fortune, to make work prosper, to wish for and receive, to have all things go as wished.
I respectfully bow to all ancestors of paternal and maternal sides — wise in life and sacred in death. Today I perform the rite of installing a new incense bowl (replacing the altar). I respectfully ask the ancestors to come and bless the descendants with health, prosperity in work, and the granting of wishes.
I respectfully bow to the great-aunts of the lineage and the strong young men of the lineage on both paternal and maternal sides — wise in life and sacred in death — that I may receive ………………………………………………………………………………………………………
*(Note: After praying, on the second round burn votive paper and scatter rice and salt at the door. When taking down the offering, the meat and eggs must be cooked.)*