July 27th is a day for the entire country to remember and honor the heroes who fought valiantly to maintain peace and bring independence to our beloved homeland. Join us as we explore the ritual of offering prayers and tributes to these silent heroes.
1. Ritual Offerings for Martyrs on July 27th
On Martyrs’ and Veterans’ Day, not only at cemeteries but also in the majority of Vietnamese families, people prepare offerings and hold ceremonies to express their respect and gratitude towards the heroic martyrs. The preparations for rituals at the cemetery and at home may differ; please refer to the details below.
Ritual Offerings at the Cemetery
Ritual Offerings for Martyrs at the Cemetery
The commemoration ceremony for the heroes, held at the cemetery, is usually a solemn affair. Therefore, the offerings must be complete and reflect our utmost respect, remembrance, and gratitude towards the heroes of our nation. The following items should be prepared with care:
- Incense
- Fragrant flowers
- Five-fruit tray
- White rice cakes
- Ofrenda
It is important to dress respectfully, neither too revealing nor too casual, when attending the ceremony to avoid causing discomfort and to maintain the solemnity of the cemetery.
Additionally, while at the cemetery, refrain from laughing, joking, or making inappropriate remarks as these actions may disrupt the solemn atmosphere of the ceremony and the cemetery itself.
Ritual Offerings at Home
Ritual Offerings for Martyrs at Home
Even though the ritual at home may not be as grand as the one at the cemetery, it is still important to demonstrate our respect for the departed through thoughtful offerings, which may include:
- Incense
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Paper votive offerings (optional)
- Cigarettes, liquor, and betel nuts
- A meal of either vegetarian or meat dishes (depending on the family’s circumstances)
Regardless of where the ritual is held, it is advisable to wear respectful attire as a sign of honor and respect for the heroic martyrs.
2. Prayers for Martyrs on July 27th
Prayers for Martyrs at the Cemetery
Prayers for Martyrs at the Cemetery
Namo Amituofo
We respectfully invite:
The Western Paradise’s Greatly Compassionate and Greatly Merciful Guide, Amitābha Buddha.
Listen to the teachings of the Western Paradise’s Teacher, who saves people from the cycle of rebirth.
The Utmost Bliss World-Honored One, who guides the departed on the direct path to the Western Paradise.
The wish-fulfilling jewel tree and the Kalavinka bird listening to the sutras under the bodhi tree.
The golden clouds covering the sky, and the peacock feather fan that dispels suffering.
Upon hearing the wonderful teachings, may we arouse a respectful and faithful heart, and resolve to advance in our practice.
May we understand the Dharma sound and awaken to the path of compassion, generating an unwavering aspiration.
May the living increase their wisdom and life force, and be blessed with perfect clarity.
May the departed be freed from their karmic roots, and their body and mind be undisturbed.
Today, in the country of Vietnam, in the province of…, on the occasion of the… day of the… month…, monks and nuns of the Buddhist Association of… together with the… City Committee, the local government, the Fatherland Front, and representatives from various sectors and communities, sincerely offer this incense and pray to the Buddhas, the Great Bodhisattvas, and the Venerable Sages. We pray for the liberation of the heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation, as well as for the liberation of our compatriots who perished during the two resistance wars against France and America to protect our beloved homeland, and…
Martyrs’ Cemetery
Alas!
The war once divided our country,
And the foreign invasion trampled our land.
Both men and women had to shoulder the burden of saving our nation,
And our brave soldiers had to sacrifice their lives for this noble cause.
Remembering our heroic martyrs,
Who valued righteousness over life,
And chose to wash away our nation’s shame rather than surrender.
On the battlefield, they laid down their lives,
And their blood boiled with passion on the front lines.
Remember the past.
When the Southern front was on the verge of a great victory, with the Americans and their puppets on the brink of surrender.
And in the North, we resolutely built socialism.
Who could have foreseen that the enemy, in their desperation, would resort to carpet bombing our capital with B-52s, reducing it to ruins?
Praying for Martyrs at the Cemetery
It was then that we witnessed the true spirit of our nation, as “when the country is in danger, the people come to its rescue.” The entire nation united, and together with Hanoi, we achieved victory in the “Dien Bien Phu in the Air” campaign.
And so, to our heroic martyrs,
Who braved the storms of bullets and bombs, charging into battle to defeat the Americans.
Who laid down their lives, turning the mountains and seas into a bloody battlefield, and shooting down the B-52s with our anti-aircraft guns.
For twelve sleepless days and nights, we endured the elements, braving the sun, rain, and storms.
Our horses galloped across the battlefield, as our entire nation turned towards Hanoi, witnessing the destruction of hospitals and schools.
For our country and our people, they fearlessly charged towards death.
Their youthful patriotism fueled their heroic aspirations.
Amidst the explosions of bombs and the roar of guns, they raced towards victory, fueled by their determination to win.
With the sound of horns and drums, they bravely fought to protect the sky and the land.
Their bodies may have been torn apart by bombs, but they did not regret their sacrifice.
Facing the enemy’s guns, their blood flowed, but they refused to surrender.
Our heroic soldiers repaid their debt to the nation, and their names shine proudly in our history.
Their sacrifice washed away our nation’s shame, and their bravery is forever etched in our hearts.
Alas!
They lived and died valiantly, putting the nation above themselves.
Their selfless service brought glory in life and death.
We grieve for those who perished in the crossfire, victims of war.
And we mourn those who fell to the enemy’s guns and arrows, dying unjustly at the hands of the invaders.
May they find solace in the Pure Land, guided by the sutras, and freed from the suffering of war.
May their spirits hear our prayers and witness our sincerity.
Now, our country enjoys peace and prosperity, and although the war is over, its scars remain in our hearts.
Commemorating at the Martyrs’ Cemetery
Thus, we gather here, monks and laypeople united, to offer our prayers and wish for the swift liberation of their spirits.
May our collective prayers guide their souls to the Pure Land.
May the assembly of monks and laypeople present offer their sincere prayers, accompanied by the chanting of the Amitabha Sutra.
We respectfully offer these prayers to the Greatly Compassionate and Greatly Merciful Guide of the Western Paradise, Amitābha Buddha, as the great witness.
We beseech:
May Amitābha Buddha, the Teacher of the Western Paradise, welcome the departed with a fan of feathers.
May Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva, the Great Vows, ring his bell to open the gates of hell.
May the Merciful Guan Yin guide the living to the true path.
May Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva use his power of wisdom to lead the departed to liberation.
May they find their eternal home in the Western Paradise, riding on the clouds.
May they turn back from the transient world and embrace the Dharma.
May the Ten Courts of Yama rejoice and open the way,
And may the Nine Hells bow their heads and be liberated by the sutras.
May the Holy Messengers guide the departed to the lotus platform,
And may the Four Guardians of Thăng Long escort their souls to the jade pedestal.
May the waters of the Yang world bring peace to the underworld,
And may the offerings bring joy to the spirits.
May the blessings of the sun and moon bring harmony, and may the power of compassion bestow the five blessings.
May birth and death be seen as one, and may the power of joy and letting go bring triple blessings.
May the light of the Buddha grow brighter, and may the Dharma wheel turn ceaselessly. May there be harmonious weather, a peaceful nation, and a prosperous people. May the world be at peace, and may all beings find happiness in their endeavors. May our capital city, a thousand years old, continue to flourish, and may Thăng Long forever endure.
Prayers for Martyrs at Home
Prayers for Martyrs at Home
We bow to the Nine Heavens, the Ten Directions, and the Buddhas of the Ten Directions.
– We respectfully bow to the Emperor of the Jade Emperor, the Queen Mother of the West, and the various deities.
– We respectfully bow to the Eastern Kitchen God, the Commander of the Stove.
– We respectfully bow to the local deities and the Earth God who govern this land.
– We respectfully bow to our ancestors of the… family.
We, the descendants of the… family, aged…
Residing at…
Today, on the 27th day of the 7th month of the year… (Gregorian calendar).
Is the day of Martyrs and Veterans of our country, Vietnam.
We humbly think of (grandfather/father/brother/uncle/uncle)…, a martyr who has passed away from this world, whose noble sacrifice ensured the independence and freedom of our beloved country, and whose legacy inspires future generations to hold their heads high among the nations of the world. Our nation is forever grateful, and we, their descendants, will forever honor their memory.
Today, as our nation remembers our heroic martyrs, we, along with our entire family, have prepared offerings and a meal with the utmost sincerity to express our gratitude. We invite the martyr…
Who passed away on the… day of the… month of the… year…
And is buried at…
Praying for Martyrs at Home
We humbly invite your spirit to descend upon this altar and witness our sincerity. May you accept our offerings and bless us with peace, prosperity, and all good things. May our family thrive and prosper, and may our descendants be blessed with good health and fortune.
We also invite our ancestors, the Patriarchs, Matriarchs, Uncles, Aunts, Brothers, Sisters, Cousins, and all our departed relatives to join us in this ceremony.
We respectfully invite the local deities, the Earth God, the Earth God, the Stove God, and all the other deities to witness and partake in
Expressions of Gratitude for Invalids and Martyrs’ Day on July 27th
On July 27, we have the opportunity to honor those who have sacrificed for our nation on Invalids and Martyrs’ Day. As we express our utmost gratitude to these heroes, we send them our best wishes and heartfelt appreciation on this special occasion.
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