Weaning and ancestor worship

 

Weaning and ancestor worship

 

When Lavani accompanied Agudengba to wander around Bangladesh, he saw a group of children playing, so he pointed at these children and said to Agudengba: "Smart Mr. Agudengba, have you heard of the weaning ceremony of babies?" ?”

Agudenba was stunned for a moment, he didn't know this.

Old Lavani said:

In Bangladesh, there is a ritual of feeding babies their first solid food. This represents the stage when babies are weaned and start eating solid foods. Hindus in Bangladesh and much of South Asia view this ritual as a Vedic tradition. This tradition is also popular among Buddhists in Bangladesh.

The ceremony is usually performed when the baby is six months old. According to Bangladeshi tradition, they should start eating solid food before their teeth come out. Because breast milk or liquid food alone is no longer enough for a six-month-old baby to meet its increasing nutritional needs.

Old Lavani said again:

Buddhists in Bangladesh perform this ceremony at home or in a Buddhist temple. According to custom, the person responsible for feeding the baby is the baby's uncle, but now, it is usually done by monks. This means good luck. Parents or elders of the clan will select an auspicious day to hold the ceremony. On the day of the ceremony, the family will dress the baby in new clothes and do some Buddhist customs, such as making offerings to monks, to pray for health and good luck for the baby. This ceremony is also seen as an occasion for families to reunite after the birth of a baby.

A baby's first solid food is milk and rice. This is due to the Buddhist story that the Buddha Sakyamuni meditated under the Bodhi tree and ate milk rice as the meal before he attained enlightenment and became a Buddha.

Old Lavani also said:

During the ceremony, the Master will teach about the importance of continuity and tradition. Then the family swore to abide by the five precepts: not to kill, not to steal, not to engage in sexual misconduct, not to lie, and not to drink alcohol. The family then spends a long time chanting Buddhist sutras and offering food, flowers, spices, lights, etc. Then, share your feelings with relatives and friends present. In the last session before noon, the master feeds solid food to the weaned baby, while the family members recite the Pali words "sadhu, sadhu, sadhu" to express their admiration for "so good" or "auspicious". .

Old Lavani said to Agudengba:

In addition to this ritual of feeding solid food to weaned babies in Bangladesh, there is another ceremony that day, which is to offer eight items to a small group of monks. The eight items include three monastic robes, a belt, a needlework, an alms bowl, a water filter and a razor. According to the tradition of Theravada Buddhism, offering these items will bring good luck. For example, offering three clothes can make the donor obtain a golden body. The whole body will be clean and free from dust, as if it is shining with golden light. At the same time, he will not have to worry about having nothing to wear in his life. And can become a monk and attain enlightenment in this life. Other items also bring various kinds of good luck.

What is the significance of this ceremony?

This tradition has a long history, dating back to the time of Buddha. According to the "Outdoor Sutra" in "The Matter of Hungry Ghosts" in the "Small Part" of the Buddhist scriptures, the Buddha went to the place at the invitation of Bimbisara, the king of the Kingdom of Magadha. After the Buddha and his accompanying disciples received the king's offerings, Bimbisara heard strange noises that night and felt frightened.

The next morning he asked the Buddha what had happened. The Buddha replied: "Your ancestors were reborn as hungry ghosts. Although you offered items to the monks, you did not return the blessings to your ancestors, so they were angry with you."

The Buddha then instructed Bimbisara to lend the merits of his ancestors to the monks. After the king did so, the hungry ghosts received food, clothing and other items and left the palace.

Old Lavani told Agudumba:

After completing this ritual, devotees can use these merits to dedicate their merits to their ancestors. According to the tradition of Theravada Buddhism, when doing this ceremony, you should remember your beloved ancestors in your heart, so that they can receive blessings and have a more ideal reincarnation. Even if the ancestors become hungry ghosts due to karma, they will still receive food, clothing and other items.

Agudengba said with a smile: "Mr. Lavani, your explanation has broadened my horizons, and I am extremely grateful for this."

Old Lavani sang a Buddhist song "Sacrifice to the Ancestors":

 

The drizzle fell continuously, and flowers stood silently in front of the tomb.

The raindrops should be separated from the human mind, just like tears scattered on the ground.

Respect your ancestors with a glass of sake, and the living should know the wishes of their ancestors.

The descendants never forget their roots and burn incense and paper money every year.

 

Friendship is raining in the sky, and true love in the world is full of tears.

The tomb is filled with soil and paper money is pressed down, and the clothes are wet with tears on the chest.

I can't forget my old friend's voice and appearance, and I regret not being able to repay my son.

I only wish that everything in heaven and earth will be auspicious, and that our children and grandchildren will pay homage to their ancestors and pass on their virtues.

 

The ancestors have gone and walked well, and the descendants of Fuyin follow the right path.

The tears are hot and heartbreaking, and there is no place to hide the thousands of mourning.

The smoke fills the heaven and bless the ancestors with eternal health.

Think carefully after returning from worship, and honor your loved ones as soon as possible.