Each time that you have a memorial service for the deceased, you must be wondering why these services have to be performed and also how these services affect them.
Some people wonder if the minister can rescue those who have been sent to purgatory. This is not such a far-fetched idea because one of Buddhist teachings stresses the following point: “Whatever one does; one reaps.” In other words, “whatever sin one commits, one must face the consequences.”
These memorial services are periodically to do something good for the deceased. It is an aged-old custom that all Buddhist families have observed and practiced for many centuries.
The following story illustrates the significance of memorial services:
Lord Buddha spoke to the village people and asked, “If a rock is thrown to the bottom of the lake, can it be raised by prayer?” The village people said, “That is impossible.”
Whereupon, Buddha said, “If oil is dumped into a lake, would it sink to the bottom with your prayer?”
To which the village people responded, “Why speak of such nonsense!”
The Lord Buddha said, “If a person has committed one sin after another throughout his life, would he be able to gain rebirth in Heaven or Nirvana? On the other hand if a person has been good all his life, would that person be sent to purgatory by prayers?” questioned Buddha.
The villagers replied, “That’s impossible!”
Lord Buddha advised, “Listen carefully. If we really prayed earnestly and performed a memorial service for the deceased, we can take all deceased persons to the other shore of enlightenment in a huge boat. This goal is achieved by means of memorial service. Conducting memorial service is a way to show your expression of sympathy toward the deceased.”
Ven. Kenjo Igarashi
July / August 2021