The Ultimate Guide to Invoking the Blessings of the Deities: A Ritual for Ancestors and the Divine

Incense offering is one of the most important tasks when it comes to cleaning the altar. Join us to see the rituals for offering incense to deities, earth gods, earth gods, and ancestors in the article below.

1 The Meaning of the Ritual for Offering Incense to Deities

The incense pot is the most important object on the altar of deities, earth gods, earth gods, and ancestors as it is where the souls of ancestors and deities reside. At the end of the year, many families often replace the incense pot with a new one, praying for good and positive things and a change of fate.

The Meaning of the Ritual for Offering Incense to Deities

The incense pot is a sacred object, so before offering incense, the host must carefully recite the ritual to ask for permission from the spiritual beings before replacing the pot. Failure to do so may offend the deities and ancestors, bringing bad luck to the family.

2 How to Prepare Offerings and Rituals for Offering Incense

Offerings and rituals for offering incense depend on the family’s circumstances and the customs of each region, but the basics will include:

• 1 plate, 1 piece of betel
• 1 plate of seasonal fruit
• 1 teapot and a set of 5 cups
• 3 small cups
• 1 cup of boiled water
• 3 offerings of gold and silver paper
• 2 flower vases on both sides

How to Prepare Offerings and Rituals for Offering Incense

3 Auspicious Days for Offering Incense to Deities and Earth Gods

Auspicious days for offering incense to deities and earth gods are usually auspicious days when things can go smoothly and favorably. Typically, people choose auspicious days in the twelfth lunar month for offering incense, mostly from the 23rd to the 30th of the month.

Auspicious Days for Offering Incense to Deities and Earth Gods

4 Procedure for Offering Incense

Preparation

Step 1 Clean the incense pot thoroughly

Grind ginger into small pieces, add white wine, and use a clean cloth to dip into this mixture to wipe the incense pot, then let it dry naturally.

Step 2 Prepare the core

The core is the ash made from glutinous rice straw (available for purchase at worship and votive paper stores). Additionally, you can add one of the seven treasures of Buddhism, prioritizing gems and jade such as amber and crystal… as these objects have a high aura.

Note: Do not use gold-plated paper, plastic beads, etc. sold at votive paper stores. Avoid using talismans and amulets of Taoism and Tantra, which can create a negative aura.

Procedure for Offering Incense

Specific Steps

Step 1 Take a handful of the core and count according to the sequence of “birth, old age, sickness, and death.” Stop at “birth” when the pot is almost full.

Step 2 After filling the pots, keep them separate to avoid confusion.

Step 3 Next, place the incense pot on the altar. Arrange the pots so that when viewed from the outside, the incense pot for deities is in the middle, the pot for female and male ancestors is on the left, and the pot for ancestors is on the right.

Step 4 Finally, recite the ritual. Arrange the offerings, then place fresh flowers, fruits, and clean water on the altar. At the beginning, burn three incense sticks for each incense pot, and only one for subsequent offerings.

Note: Open the front door before burning incense.

How to Offer Incense

5 Ritual for Offering Incense to Deities, Earth Gods, and Ancestors

Ritual for Offering Incense to Deities, Earth Gods, and Ancestors

In the ritual for offering incense, the host will prepare a ritual text to perform the ceremony. To ensure a smooth and successful ceremony, the host can print out the ritual and read it aloud. The content of the ritual is as follows:

Nam Mo A Di Da Phat!

Nam Mo A Di Da Phat!

Nam Mo A Di Da Phat!

I bow to the nine skies and ten directions of the Buddha. I respectfully bow to the spiritual deities, the manifestations of the divine law, and the infinite magic.

Today is the … day of the … month of the … year of the lunar calendar. I, [name], residing at [address],

I am performing a ritual to replace the old incense pot, praying for peace in my family, success in my endeavors, and abundance in my life. May my wishes come true, and may all things go well.

I respectfully bow to my ancestors of the paternal and maternal lines, both living and deceased. Today, I am performing this ritual to move the incense pot, replacing the old one with a new one. I pray that you will bless and protect me and my descendants, granting us good health and prosperity.

I respectfully bow to the female and male ancestors of the paternal and maternal lines, both living and deceased, to witness my sincerity and bless and protect us.

Ritual for Offering Incense to Ancestors

Ritual for Offering Incense to Deities, Earth Gods, and Earth Gods

Nam Mo A Di Da Phat!

Nam Mo A Di Da Phat!

Nam Mo A Di Da Phat!

I bow to the nine skies and ten directions of the Buddha. I respectfully bow to the spiritual deities, the manifestations of the divine law, and the infinite magic.

Today is the … day of the … month of the … year. My name is … (the believer of … address …).

I am performing a ritual to offer a new incense pot to the altar of the God of Wealth (Earth God), praying for success in my endeavors, abundance in my life, and all my wishes to come true. May I be blessed with good health, peace, and prosperity.

I respectfully bow to the God of Wealth (Earth God). Today, I am performing a ritual to offer a new incense pot, praying that you will bless and protect me and my descendants, granting us good health and harmony in our family and success in all our endeavors.

Ritual for Offering Incense to Deities, Earth Gods, and Earth Gods

6 Notes and Taboos when Offering Incense to Deities, Earth Gods, and Ancestors

Do not move the incense pot without first asking permission from the deities.

The area behind the incense pot is for worshipping ancestors, so only their photos should be placed there.

Offerings should be placed in front of or next to the incense pot.

Do not use objects with cultural influences from other countries on the altar of the God of Wealth, as this reflects a lack of sincerity in worship.

Notes and Taboos when Offering Incense to Deities, Earth Gods, and Ancestors

The above is the ritual for offering incense to deities, earth gods, earth gods, and ancestors that we want to share with you. We hope you find this information useful.

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