Understanding the Ullambana Festival

As the seventh month of the lunar calendar draws to a close, communities around the world prepare for the Ullambana Festival, a significant Buddhist observance dedicated to alleviating the suffering of spirits and honoring ancestors. In 2024, Ullambana will be celebrated on September 17th. This sacred occasion offers a profound opportunity to engage in acts of compassion and spiritual merit.

The Essence of Ullambana

Ullambana, which translates to "liberation from suffering," is observed on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month. This festival is rooted in the Buddhist practice of helping suffering beings, particularly those in the realm of hungry ghosts. It commemorates the story of Venerable Mahamaudgalyayana, a revered disciple of the Buddha, who used his spiritual powers to rescue his mother from the torments of the underworld.

According to the Ullambana Sutra, "Thus I have heard, at one time, the Buddha dwelt at Shravasti in the Garden of the Benefactor of Orphans and the Solitary.

Mahamaudgalyayana had just obtained the six penetrations and wished to cross over his father and mother to repay their kindness for raising him. Thus, using his Way Eye, he regarded the world and saw that his deceased mother had been born among the hungry ghosts. Having neither food nor drink, she was but skin and bones.

Mahamaudgalyayana felt deep pity and sadness, filled a bowl with food, and went to provide for his mother. She got the bowl, screened it with her left hand, and with her right hand made a fist of food. But before it entered her mouth, it turned into burning coals which could not be eaten. Mahamaudgalyayana called out and wept sorrowfully, and hastened to return to the Buddha to set forth all of this."

The Buddha explained that Mahamaudgalyayana’s mother was suffering in the hells because of her deep offenses, and he could not save her alone. The Buddha instructed him to make offerings of the finest vegetarian foods and drinks to the Buddha and the Sangha on the fifteenth day of the seventh month. By doing so, the collective virtue of the Sangha would aid in freeing his mother from suffering. Following this advice, Mahamaudgalyayana’s mother was reborn in the heavens, demonstrating the profound impact of communal merit and compassionate acts.

The Ullambana Sutra states, “If one thus makes offerings to these Pravarana Sanghans, one's present father and mother, parents of seven generations past, as well as the six kinds of close relatives will escape from the three paths of suffering, and at that time attain release. Their clothing and food will spontaneously appear. If the parents are still alive, they will have wealth and blessings for a hundred years. Parents of seven generations past will be born in the heavens. Transformationally born, they will independently enter the celestial flower light, and experience limitless bliss.”

Traditions and Observances

1. Offerings and Rituals: During Ullambana, families prepare altars with offerings of vegetarian foods, fruits, and symbolic paper money. These offerings are made to the Buddha, the Sangha, and the spirits of ancestors. The goal is to provide comfort and relief to those suffering in the afterlife and to accumulate merit for the living.

2. Burning of Joss Paper: A significant tradition during Ullambana is the burning of joss paper, or “ghost money.” This practice involves burning paper replicas of money, clothing, and other goods to provide for the spirits. It is believed that these offerings help alleviate the spirits' suffering and assist them in their journey towards liberation.

3. Recitation of Sutras: The recitation of the Ullambana Sutra is a central practice during the festival. This act is performed to invoke the power of the Buddha and the Sangha, seeking their blessings to release spirits from suffering and ensure their rebirth in more favorable realms.

4. Family Reunions and Reflection: Ullambana is also a time for families to come together, reflect on the teachings of Buddhism, and honor their ancestors. It is an opportunity to express gratitude and seek spiritual guidance from those who have passed away.

   
   

The Spiritual Significance

At its core, Ullambana is about compassion, merit, and liberation. It serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness between the living and the deceased, encouraging acts of kindness and devotion to aid those who are suffering. By participating in the festival's rituals and making offerings, individuals and communities can accumulate merit and support the spiritual well-being of their ancestors and loved ones.

Conclusion

As we approach Ullambana on September 17th, let us embrace this opportunity to engage in acts of compassion and spiritual merit. Through offerings, recitations, and reflection, we honor our ancestors and seek to alleviate their suffering. May this festival bring peace and liberation to all beings and inspire us to cultivate compassion and gratitude in our lives.

Happy Ullambana Festival to everyone! May your acts of kindness and devotion bring blessings and relief to those who have passed and to all who observe this sacred time.