【Description】
During the lunar seventh month, many people dream of their departed loved ones more often. If you see them in ragged clothing, suffering, or crying for help — what could it mean? And what can we do to truly help them?
【Content】
For example, when we dream of our departed ancestors or other loved ones, and you see them cold, poor, in need of care, crying out for help, or looking ragged and destitute, being beaten, or worse, bloodied, or even headless, sometimes with a gaping hole in the body. Such disturbing images usually mean they are calling for help.
One method we know of is performing rituals to honor our ancestors. We offer food they enjoyed during their lifetime. If your father loved to drink, offer him alcohol. If they liked roasted pork, then offer that. Some even offer cigarettes. When we dream of deceased relatives showing signs of suffering, we should try to fulfill their needs through offerings. This can help bring them peace.
One practitioner wrote to me about dreaming about the moment his mom passed. The signs were not good. He dreamed of her body being covered in ants, with wounds festering with maggots. For years, the same dream recurred. He did not know why he saw these images. It was as if his dreams reflected the inauspicious nature of her death.
Recently, however, those dreams stopped. The reason? He offered multiple “Great Perfection” light offerings for her. Afterward, he dreamed of her dressed in beautiful garments like those of an empress. Although she hadn’t attained such a high spiritual realm, the silky garments fluttered as she floated toward the Western Pure Land. I told him that this was likely her wish, to be reborn in the Western Pure Land. The Bodhisattvas had come to guide her. Afterward, he no longer had that dream. This shows that offering light is very effective. It is not humans doing the work, but the buddhas and bodhisattvas.
The Ullambana Festival is a day dedicated to liberating deceased loved ones from suffering. During this time, it is especially important to make offerings and send blessings of light, abundance, and peace to them. No matter where you are this year, you can offer a light and ritual offering set blessed by the Buddha for your ancestors.
Bodhi Meditation College presents Ullambana Ritual Offering Sets and light offerings. Golden and Silver Mountains symbolize boundless blessings and wealth. Lotus Sutras bring Buddha’s light and prosperity to descendants. Liberation Light Offerings help the deceased leave suffering and attain happiness.
Seize this once-a-year opportunity. Let your sincerity become the source of peace for your ancestors and prosperity for your family.