Vu Lan (Filial Piety) Ceremonial Prayer
The 15th of the 7th lunar month — the Vu Lan Festival
Meaning
The Vu Lan Festival (the 15th of the 7th lunar month) originates from the Buddhist tale of Maudgalyāyana (Mục Kiền Liên) saving his mother. It is a rite of repaying the kindness of living parents and praying for the liberation of departed parents and grandparents. Vietnamese practitioners make offerings to the Three Jewels, release living beings, and perform good deeds to dedicate the merit to loved ones.
Offering preparation
Vegetarian offering: sticky rice, sweet soup, fruit, cakes. May be combined with an outdoor offering to wandering souls. Incense, candles, votive paper, paper money. Releasing birds or fish (phóng sinh) is also customary.
Content
Namo Amitābha Buddha! (3 times)
Namo Bodhisattva Maudgalyāyana of Great Filial Piety (Mục Kiền Liên)! (3 times)
Today is the 15th of the 7th lunar month, year .......... — the Vu Lan Bồn Festival.
The faithful: ..........................................
Residing at: ..........................................
We sincerely present to the Three Jewels offerings of incense and flowers, beseeching the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to bless us.
On this Vu Lan season of filial piety, we respectfully bow:
That parents still living be granted health and peace.
That the spirits of the lineage on both paternal and maternal sides who have passed be reborn in the Pure Land.
We respectfully ask the Three Jewels to witness this merit and to dedicate it:
For living parents: increased blessings and longevity.
For departed spirits: prompt liberation.
For the descendants: peace and progress in study.
Namo Amitābha Buddha! (3 times)