Prayer to the Household Deities (1st Day of Tết)

Namo Amitābha Buddha! (3 times) - I respectfully bow to the nine directions of Heaven, the ten directions of all Buddhas, the Buddhas of the ten directions. - I respectfully bow to the coming Maitreya Buddha (Đức Đương Lai Hạ Sinh Di Lặc Tôn Phật). - I respectfully bow to the Buddhas, Heaven, August Heaven and Sovereign Earth, and all the venerable deities. - I respectfully bow to all the venerable deities. Today is the 1st of the 1st lunar month, the day of Tết Nguyên Đán. The cold east wind dissolves; misfortune is dispelled; we welcome the spring of the new year. Rains and dews soak the earth; all things stir anew. Everywhere, ceremonies are held; in every place, reports are presented. The faithful (we) are: ………………………….................................. Residing at: …………………….................................................................... On this new-year occasion, we prepare incense, flowers, rice, soup, and offerings, laid out before the altar, presented to Heaven, Earth, and the venerable deities. We reflect that the venerable deities shine with brilliant aura and great virtue; their seats are immeasurably high, manifesting in all ten directions. As the heart of sincerity arises, the venerable deities respond. We humbly ask you to descend before the altar, bear witness to our sincerity, and partake of these offerings. May children and grandchildren rejoice and flourish, may the descendants enjoy auspiciousness and good health. By the merit of the local Tutelary Deity and the venerable deities of this place, shelter us, grant fortune and grace, dispel misfortune and ward off calamity. From the year's start to its middle, from middle to end, may our endeavors flow smoothly, our wishes be granted, our prayers fulfilled. With sincere heart, we humbly ask you to bear witness. Namo Amitābha Buddha! (3 times)