Prayer for Visiting and Tending the Grave
Tết Thanh Minh, or whenever visiting and tending a loved one's grave
Meaning
Tảo mộ (grave tending) is the custom of visiting, cleaning, and repairing the graves of ancestors and parents who have passed. It is an expression of filial piety and gratitude toward those who gave us life. It is typically done on Tết Thanh Minh (in March of the solar calendar) or before the death anniversary.
Offering preparation
Incense, candles, flowers, fruit, wine, water, betel and areca, votive paper, paper money. Bring tools to clear weeds around the grave.
Content
Namo Amitābha Buddha! (3 times)
Today is the .......... day of the .......... month, year ..........
The descendants: ..........................................
Today the descendants come to visit and tend the grave of: ..........................................
We respectfully bow to the spirit:
With sincere heart we present incense, flowers, and offerings, respectfully inviting the spirit to come and partake.
The descendants speak on behalf of the whole family, expressing reverence and remembering the kindness of this person.
We humbly ask the spirit to bless the descendants with peace and good health.
We offer modest gifts with sincere hearts; we respectfully present them.
Namo Amitābha Buddha! (3 times)