HOW SHOULD WE DEAL WITH FRUIT OFFERINGS TO THE DECEASED?
Caller: Master, generally during Ching Ming and Zhong Yuan (Ullambana) Festivals, we will make offerings to our deceased parents at home. At the end of the ceremony, how should we handle these fruits and other consumables? Master has said before that we can leave the offerings made at the cemetery behind. What about food offered to the deceased when we do so at home, Master?
Master Jun Hong Lu: It’s not good to consume it either. It is best not to consume offerings for the deceased. You aren’t able to see, and I can’t describe to you in detail. For the deceased that have become ghosts, they will stick out their tongues and their saliva will flow down as they ‘consume’ the offerings. It’s very disgusting and yet, you still want to eat the offerings! Go ahead if you dare to.
Caller: No, I don’t eat these offerings, Master.
Master Jun Hong Lu: Dispose of them.
Caller: Alright!
Master Jun Hong Lu: You can consume offerings made to Bodhisattvas, but not those offered to the deceased.
Caller: Yes, Master.
Source: Wenda20160925B 36:16, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program