IT IS NOT ADVISABLE TO SET UP A BUDDHIST ALTAR DURING THE ULLAMBANA FESTIVAL; EXERCISE GREATER CARE WHEN PERFORMING LIFE LIBERATION DURING THIS PERIOD
Caller: Master, the Ullambana Festival is fast approaching. It so happens that this year is the Year of Geng Zi (the 37th year of the Chinese 60-year cycle). In light of this, are there things that we need to specifically look out for during this year’s Ullambana Festival?
Master Jun Hong Lu: This is the time when spirits will be released from the underworld.
Caller: Yes.
Master Jun Hong Lu: It is best to refrain from going out at night because many of these spirits will be roaming around in the human realm and it may be hard for you to fend them off at times.
Caller: Yes, I understand.
Master Jun Hong Lu: The tradition has long been practised across Southeast Asia and it has remained unchanged till these days. This solar term is not to be taken lightly at all. Besides paying respect to ancestors and the deceased, lanterns are also set afloat on rivers. Do you know of the significance of paying respect to the departed souls? This is because these souls have been released from the underworld.
Caller: Yes. A Buddhist friend has asked whether it is alright to set up a Buddhist altar during the daytime of the Ullambana Festival itself?
Master Jun Hong Lu: It’s best not to do so on this day.
Caller: How about performing life liberation?
Master Jun Hong Lu: You must take extra caution even when performing life liberation. This is because many of these spirits are on the loose and are roaming everywhere.
It is best to stay at home during this period unless you are heading out to pay respect to the deceased. Otherwise, stay at home to offer incense and perform recitation. Refrain from going out, especially participating in those night activities.
It’s still alright if you are spiritually strong. The problem arises if you are someone with intrinsic negative energy.
Caller: I see. We wouldn’t have known about it had you not mentioned it.
Source: Wenda20200828 20:48, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program