THINGS TO BE AWARE OF DURING THE ULLAMBANA FESTIVAL
Caller: As the “Ghost Festival” is coming up next month, is there anything that we should be aware of? For instance, what should we take note of during the night or whenever we are performing recitations?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Firstly, do not speak carelessly – the word “ghost” is hardly a respectful term to use. You are not showing any respect to the deceased by addressing them as ghosts. Do you understand?
Caller: I am sorry. We should address the festival as the Ullambana Festival instead, is that right?
Master Jun Hong Lu: You may call it the 15th day of the 7th lunar month, don’t you think? As a matter of fact, this is the time we help our karmic creditors ascend to a higher spiritual realm.
Caller: Just like the 1st and 15th days of each lunar month, we may recite up to 13 times* of the Eighty-Eight Buddhas Great Repentance, is that right?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes, you may.
Caller: Okay. Should Little Houses be offered as per usual? We should also avoid saying inappropriate things during this month too, am I right?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes!
Caller: Is there anything to take note of whenever we are outside during the night?
Master Jun Hong Lu: You may recite the Great Compassion Mantra.
Caller: Alright.
Source: Wenda20150802B 17:00, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
[Update: Based on the latest discourses by Master Jun Hong Lu, we may recite up to 21 times* of the Eighty-Eight Buddhas Great Repentance, and offer no more than 49 Little Houses for each deceased person as well as karmic creditor, on the Ullambana Festival.]