The Buddhist Ritual of Transferring Merit

A week ago we got the very sad news that a family member in Sri Lanka had suddenly passed away. It always difficult to manage sudden loss but even more so when far away from other family members and unable to go to travel to be there for the end of life rituals that provide a measure of comfort and support.

Each religion has their own rituals and beliefs relating to the end of this life and these can be observed and practiced where ever one is. We decided to observe the ritual for the seventh day after the passing, taking comfort in knowing that the same ritual was being conducted in Sri Lanka  albeit on a far bigger scale. As another friend here had also lost a family member we combined in observing this ritual, receiving and giving support to each other.

So, today we woke at a very early hour and prepared food to be offered to the monks at the Sri Lankan Buddhist Temple in the western suburbs of Brisbane. Simply put, it is believed that by offering food and other support to the monks - the Sangha - one obtains merit which is kind of banked for a good rebirth when one leaves this world. This merit can be transferred to another person who has already passed away and may be awaiting rebirth. The ritual today was to transfer our merit, achieved by offering sustanence to the monks, to the brother who passed away a week ago.

 Firstly the monks performed the transference repeating three times: 

Idam me natinam hotu, Sukhita hontu natayo 

which is translated as " Let this merit accrue to our relatives, and may they be happy." Followed by the Eight Worldly Conditions relating to:  youth - old age, good fortune and destruction, living - dying, rise - fall, pleasure - grief, praise - disgrace, happiness - suffering.

Then the Dhana [ the food ] was offered  after which the ritual was completed by the monks confirming the merit transference while we poured water into a small bowl until it spilled over into the bigger one beneath.

We are now left with our memories of a childhood shared, a man who took the time to be with you, liked to joke and dance, worked hard all his life and loved his family. His teasing salute will always be remembered. Thank you Captain.

Temple at Ellen Grove

The temple is on a large block in a bush environment. On this early morning many different birds were flying around their singing  and chirping encouraging inner peace.

The Sacred Bo Tree is encircled by twenty eight small Buddha statues  and the Shrine.

The Dagaba

The Bo tree and its circle of Buddhas

Bo Tree Shrine