Offering ceremonies are a significant aspect of Buddhist culture and are quite common in many Vietnamese households. Let’s explore the meaning and rituals of the Three Jewels Ceremony, along with the standard prayers for 2023.
1 Understanding the Three Jewels Ceremony
The Significance of the Three Jewels Ceremony
Did you know that the term “cung duong” is derived from Chinese and read as “cung duong” in Vietnamese? It can also be pronounced as “cung duong” in the northern dialect. In Buddhism, the Three Jewels refer to:
- The Buddha: The enlightened one who discovered the path to liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth for all sentient beings.
- The Dharma: The teachings and doctrines of the Buddha, passed down through generations, providing eternal truths and a path to enlightenment for followers.
- The Sangha: The community of Buddhist monks and nuns who uphold and spread the Buddha’s teachings, ensuring the longevity and prosperity of Buddhism.
The act of offering to the Three Jewels is a way to express gratitude for the blessings and teachings received. It also helps Buddhists calm their minds and cultivate virtue.
In the Anguttara Nikaya, the Buddha taught his disciples about the five benefits of giving: “One gains much favor./ Two, the noble ones draw near./ Three, one has a good reputation./ Four, one does not fall into wrong ways./ Five, having passed away, one is reborn in a good state.”
As Buddhists, we should offer to the Three Jewels to remind ourselves of our refuge in the Triple Gem. We must understand that offering to the Three Jewels is a way to express gratitude to the Buddha for showing us the path to liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Furthermore, it ensures the continuity of the Three Jewels, allowing them to continue guiding sentient beings.
2 Preparing the Offering for the Three Jewels Ceremony
Preparing the Offering for the Three Jewels Ceremony
When offering to the Three Jewels, it is essential to have a pure mind, and the offerings themselves should also be pure. The items used should be fresh and pristine, purchased with money earned through honest means. This ensures that one receives abundant blessings.
Here is a basic list of items needed for the Three Jewels Ceremony:
- Incense
- Fresh flowers
- Fruits
- Vegetarian dishes
- Candles
- Drinks
- Paper offerings
3 Prayers for the Three Jewels Ceremony
Prayers for the Three Jewels Ceremony
Nam Mo A Di Da Phat!
Homage to the Amitabha Buddha!
(Repeat 3 times while bowing)
We, the disciples, sincerely bow before the Ten Directions Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Sages, Dharma Protectors, and the Heavenly Dragon Assembly.
Today is the …. day of the …. month of the …. year.
We, the faithful, are: …………………
Residing at: …………………
Sincerely offering silver and a petition to the Ten Directions’ Eternal Three Jewels.
We humbly bow before:
– The Amitabha Buddha, the master of the Western Pure Land.
– The Sakyamuni Buddha, the master of the Saha world.
– The Medicine Buddha, the master of the Eastern Pure Land.
– The Thousand-Handed, Thousand-Eyed, Five Hundred Named Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, who perceives the sounds of the world and saves the suffering.
– The Dharma Protector, the benevolent spirits, and the Bodhisattvas.
We humbly request your compassionate protection and blessings for us. May we be granted ……………… (success, wealth, relief from afflictions, peace, etc.).
We pray that you accept our humble offerings and witness our sincerity. May all obstacles be removed, and may good fortune come our way. May we prosper, be healthy, and live in harmony and peace.
We are but humble beings, prone to mistakes and delusions. We beseech the Buddhas and Sages to forgive us and grant us safety from disasters. May all our good wishes come true, and may our hearts’ desires be fulfilled.
With a sincere heart, we bow before you.
Nam Mo A Di Da Phat!
Homage to the Amitabha Buddha!
(Repeat 3 times while bowing)
For reference:
4 Concluding the Three Jewels Ceremony
Concluding the Three Jewels Ceremony
After completing the prayers at the altars, the host should wait for one incense stick to burn. Once it’s done, bow three times before the altars, then take down the prayer and burn it. Only after this should the offerings be taken down, starting with the outer altars and then moving to the inner main altar.
We hope you found this information about the Three Jewels Ceremony and its prayers for 2023 to be helpful! May you always find peace and blessings on your spiritual journey.
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