The Winter Solstice (冬至) is one of the most important Chinese festivals and marks the arrival of a brand new year. Besides certain notable customs such as consuming glutinous rice balls and getting together with our families,
Did you know?
❄️ During the period of Winter Solstice (one month before 21 or 22 December and the week after), Yin (negative) energy will be rampant?
🙇🏻♀️ The Winter Solstice is a season of harvest for the deceased? So, if you pay tributes or make offerings to them, the deceased are able to receive them.
🩺 You should minimise your visits to the doctor or, if possible, not visiting the doctor at all because you run the risk of being misdiagnosed with some strange illnesses?
🪄 This is a period that should be dedicated to the elimination of your karmic obstacles? What are the important practices that you should be aware of?
🫕 The actual significance of eating glutinous rice balls during this festival?
Find out the answers to all of the above and many more by clicking on the following link, where you will find a comprehensive compilation of Master Lu’s discourses on this very important period of the year.
< BE PREPARED IN ADVANCE FOR WINTER SOLSTICE >
BE PREPARED IN ADVANCE FOR WINTER SOLSTICE
Caller: Winter Solstice is fast approaching and it’s just a month away. Master has explained before that the Yin (negative) energy will be rampant during this period and hence, we should accumulate more Little Houses in times of need, such as when we dream of a deceased person. Master, does Bodhisattva have any special advice for us this year?
Master Jun Hong Lu: In this regard, there is nothing from the Bodhisattva, but I do have some advice to offer.
Caller: Please go ahead Master. What should we look out for?
Master Jun Hong Lu: When we ask someone to be ‘on a lookout’, we are essentially advising him to pay close attention to something in advance by being mindful. Just like you now, you are aware of the upcoming Winter Solstice, a period when many would fall ill or experience bad luck.
Why is that so? This is because spirits from the Underworld will be released to the human realm. During this period, your primary awareness should be those who have passed on and were once related to you in some way or the other, including your close or distant relatives or even your neighbours. They would be roaming about in the human realm during Winter Solstice, which is one of the solar terms.
Source: Wenda20171119B 21:20, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
< Things to know about Winter Solstice >
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SOLAR TERMS FROM A METAPHYSICAL PERSPECTIVE
Caller: Master, according to traditional beliefs, there are several solar terms such as Start of Winter, Summer Solstice, Winter Solstice, Start of Autumn, Start of Spring, Start of Summer to name a few. I’d like to know whether there is any significance to these solar terms from a metaphysical perspective?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Everyone knows that Winter Solstice is a time to reminisce about the deceased as winter arrives, just like autumn is a time to focus on harvesting. So, what’s the significance of this season? It’s a period when the seeds of cause sowed ripen. This is why the arrival of autumn is typified by people having to come to terms with the consequences of many of their misdeeds.
Why do you think people usually fall sick in autumn? This explains why so many people succumb to all sorts of physical ailments or discomfort during this season.
The Start of Spring marks a new beginning, like the start of a new year, a time to venture out. This is the best season to sow, that is, we should go out and perform deeds that are virtuous and wholesome and there is much that we can accomplish during this time. When you sow seeds of goodness, you will gain the protection and blessings of Bodhisattvas. If you steer clear of committing any misdeeds, success will come to you the moment autumn arrives.
Summer is the season when your mind and wisdom will be put to test because you are bound to confront many trials and tribulations. Physically, don’t you feel hot during summer time, and you find yourself easily irritable, vexed and more argumentative? When your mind is heated up, you will most likely pick fights with others, correct?
Caller: Right.
Master Jun Hong Lu: That is why in summer, even more than usual, you should practise quiet contemplation. As summer approaches, all the more you should cultivate “calmness, concentration and wisdom”. “Precepts, concentration and wisdom” is often cited, but you should practise “calmness, concentration and wisdom” because being calm is in itself discipline. Only a disciplined person can be calm.
Don’t you think people are easily aroused by carnal lust during spring? Hence, this is a season when you should take control of your lust and appetite. You need to practise discipline even with what you put in your mouth because if you don’t, this will be a season of troubles for you.
Source: Wenda20160429 06:37, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
< The Dos and Don’ts during the period of Winter Solstice >
THINGS TO NOTE DURING THE WINTER SOLSTICE PERIOD
Master Jun Hong Lu: I hope all of you will exercise more caution during the Winter Solstice, especially during the period prior to the festival. Do take extra care to prevent falls, injuries, catching a cold or the flu. These recommendations have long existed in Chinese traditions.
After nightfall, do avoid going to places that are too dark, or that are not well-lit or dominated by negative energy. If you dream of the deceased, you must immediately pray and offer Little Houses to them. During the period before and after the Winter Solstice, it is exceptionally easy to experience unexplainable emotional outbursts or flare-ups besides being prone to injuries.
There was a tradition that advised minimising visits to the doctor or if possible, not visiting the doctor at all because you run the risk of being misdiagnosed with some strange illnesses. You may find that after all the hassle of running around to seek medical treatment, you are not ailing whatsoever. For all you know, this could be a case of being possessed by a foreign spirit.
Source: Baihuafofa20141218, Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism In Plain Terms (Radio Program), 18 December 2014
WHY DO WE EAT DUMPLINGS AND GLUTINOUS RICE BALLS DURING WINTER SOLSTICE?
Question: It is a custom to eat dumplings and glutinous rice balls on Winter Solstice. Is there a metaphysical rationale for it?
Answer: We commemorate the deceased during Winter Solstice. Our loved ones who passed on would return on this day. In order to offer them some comfort, families would come together to eat glutinous rice balls in remembrance of the deceased.
Glutinous rice ball embodies the Yin and the Yang element.. The white external of the glutinous rice balls represents the Yang energy, while the black fillings denote the Yin energy. Hence, a unity of Yin and Yang. The same applies to dumplings with a wrapped dumpling symbolising perfection. Strictly speaking, on this special day, it is more customary to eat glutinous rice balls than dumplings; people eat the latter only because they crave for it.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse (Question 148), 11 February 2017
DO NOT HOLD WEDDINGS ON THE DRAGON BOAT, CHING MING, ULLAMBANA AND THE WINTER SOLSTICE FESTIVALS
Question: A Buddhist practitioner’s son has selected 7th October for his wedding, only to find out that it is the Double Ninth Festival (Chong Yang Festival) on the lunar calendar. Unfortunately, the booking deposit for the hotel has been placed, and hence the date cannot be changed. May I know if there is anything to take note of with regards to weddings that fall on the Double Ninth Festival?
Answer: It is still acceptable to hold a wedding on the Double Ninth Festival. However, it is a no-no on the Dragon Boat, Ching Ming (Tomb-sweeping), Ullambana and the Winter Solstice Festivals.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse (Question 304), 16 April 2019
AVOID HAVING A HAIRCUT DURING PERIODS OF MOURNING
Question: Is it alright to have a haircut on our birthday?
Answer: It’s up to you. It’s good to have a haircut as it makes one appear neat and tidy. Typically, we must avoid having a haircut on the Ching Ming Festival, Zhong Yuan Festival (Ullambana Festival) and Dong Zhi Festival (Winter Solstice), because these are the days we mourn and commemorate generations past. It is a no-no to have a haircut during periods of mourning because it is disrespectful to our elders.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse (Question 262), 31 October 2018
SHOULD ONE CELEBRATE HIS BIRTHDAY IF IT FALLS ON WINTER SOLSTICE?
Caller: A fellow Buddhist practitioner’s birthday happens to fall on Winter Solstice. Is it alright to hold a birthday celebration?
Master Jun Hong Lu: It is best not to do so. Misfortune will surely befall you if you consume meat on this day.
Caller: Is it alright if we invite friends for a vegetarian meal?
Master Jun Hong Lu: That is alright.
Source: Wenda20191117 11:35, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
IT IS BEST TO MOVE HOUSE AFTER THE WINTER SOLSTICE
Question: Is it better to move house before or after the Winter Solstice?
Answer: It is better to do so after the Winter Solstice.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse (Question 274), 22 December 2018
AVOID SETTING UP THE BUDDHIST ALTAR ON CHING MING, WINTER SOLSTICE OR ULLAMBANA FESTIVALS
Caller: Is it true that we should avoid setting up the Buddhist altar on the days of the 24 Solar Terms?
Master Jun Hong Lu: It should be fine to do so in the morning. That said, avoid the unsuitable dates such as the Winter Solstice, Ching Ming or Ullambana Festivals.
Caller: Alright. Thank you, Master.
Source: Wenda20191215 16:20, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
LODGING THE APPLICATION FOR CHANGE OF NAME ON THE DAY OF WINTER SOLSTICE
Question: Is it alright to lodge the Application for Change of Name on the day of Winter Solstice?
Answer: Yes.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse (Question 274), 22 December 2018
< Why do some people fall ill before Winter Solstice >
REASONS FOR NOT BEING ABLE TO PERFORM RECITATION, AND WHY ILLNESS MAKES A COMEBACK DURING THE THREE CHINESE SOLAR TERMS
Caller: During the three Solar Terms (Ching Ming Festival, Ullambana Festival and Winter Solstice), some Buddhist friends will start having difficulty in performing recitation a few weeks prior to the festivals. Things will return to normal once these festivals are over. What’s the reason for this? Is it because they lack the positive energy or they do not recite a sufficient amount of Little Houses during this period? Can Master enlighten me?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Let me ask you this question and you will know why. When carrying a bucket of water, if you put too much water into the bucket, it will become too heavy to lift, don’t you think?
Caller: That’s right.
Master Jun Hong Lu: There will be many foreign spirits nearing the Ullambana and Ching Ming Festivals, so, don’t you think they will make it hard for one to perform recitation?
Caller: Yes Master. There is a Buddhist friend who was cured of his illness a few years ago after performing the three Golden Buddhist Practices of reciting the Buddhist scriptures, releasing captive lives and making vows. However, he will suffer a relapse around the three Solar Term periods.
Is it because he has yet to offer a sufficient number of Little Houses? Could it be that he has to continue to endure the karmic retribution despite having sufficiently repaid it through Little Houses?
Master Jun Hong Lu: If you have fully repaid your karmic debt with a sufficient number of Little Houses, the remaining karmic retribution would be reduced significantly. What does it mean by “fully repaid”? Once fully repaid, the karmic debt ceases to exist. In his case, it looks like he has yet to fully repay his karmic debt. He might have temporarily sent off the foreign spirits, but has yet to thoroughly help them ascend to a higher spiritual realm.
Caller: I understand now.
Source: Wenda20180318A 48:17, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
< Winter Solstice is a period that should be dedicated to the elimination of one’s karmic obstacles >
IT IS BEST TO OFFER MORE THAN 49 LITTLE HOUSES TO YOUR KARMIC CREDITORS DURING THE WINTER SOLSTICE PERIOD
Caller: Master, typically how many Little Houses should we offer to our karmic creditors during the Winter Solstice period?
Master Jun Hong Lu: It’s best to offer more than 49 Little Houses.
Caller: Alright, Master. Thank you for your guidance.
Source: Wenda20151204 26:10, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
IT IS BEST TO START OFFERING LITTLE HOUSES A WEEK BEFORE WINTER SOLSTICE TO THE ACTUAL DAY
Question: Master has previously mentioned that one should offer 49 Little Houses to his karmic creditor during the Winter Solstice period. Is there a specific time frame to start reciting and offering these Little Houses?
Answer: You should start doing so a week prior to Winter Solstice until the actual day.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse (Question 81), 5 January 2016
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LITTLE HOUSES OFFERED DURING WINTER SOLSTICE AND THOSE OFFERED ON REGULAR DAYS?
Caller: A fellow Buddhist practitioner is interested to find out whether there is a difference between Little Houses offered to the deceased on Winter Solstice and those offered on regular days.
Master Jun Hong Lu: Of course there is, because Winter Solstice is a festive day. Take Mother’s Day as an example, we show our filial respect to our mothers on this day, don’t we? And, won’t you do likewise on your mother’s birthday? Do you see the difference?
Caller: I see. I like it when Master uses examples to illustrate a point. I can understand it right away.
Source: Wenda20121216b 04:58, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
IS WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATED AS A NEW YEAR IN THE UNDERWORLD?
Caller: Someone said that the Winter Solstice is celebrated as a new year in the underworld. Master, can you tell us more about this?
Master Jun Hong Lu: It should be viewed as such: Right before the Lunar New Year in the human realm, the underworld will release the spirits during the Winter Solstice period. As a matter of fact, this is the season of harvest for the deceased. Hence, if you pay tributes or make offerings, the deceased are able to receive them.
Source: Wenda20111211 28:17, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
< How do we pay respect to the deceased during Winter Solstice >
WINTER SOLSTICE 2020: QUANTITY OF THE EIGHTY-EIGHT BUDDHAS GREAT REPENTANCE AND LITTLE HOUSES THAT CAN BE RECITED
- The recitation of the Eighty-Eight Buddhas Great Repentance (LIFO): Do not exceed 49 times (inclusive of daily homework).
- Offering of Little House to own karmic creditors and each deceased person: Do not exceed 49 respectively.
With deepest gratitude.
Source: An excerpt from 2OR Secretariat, 4 December 2020
21 PIECES IS THE BASE NUMBER OF LITTLE HOUSES TO BE OFFERED TO THE DECEASED
Caller: Master, if we don’t dream of the deceased, can we still offer Little House to them on occasions such as the Tomb-Sweeping day, Zhong Yang festival, Winter Solstice or their death anniversary?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes, you may do so.
Caller: How many Little Houses should we offer roughly?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Generally, it is alright to offer.
Caller: What is the maximum number of Little Houses that can be offered?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Offer a batch of 21 Little Houses. You may use this number as a basic guideline.
Source: Wenda20181209A 03:10, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
DO NOT LEAVE THE MEMORIAL TABLETS OF THE DECEASED ON THE OFFERING TABLE FOR A PROLONGED PERIOD
Question: During festive seasons like Ching Ming or Dong Zhi (Winter Solstice), should we place the memorial tablets of the deceased on the offering table throughout the day or should we put them away once the prayer ceremony is over?
Answer: Generally, you should put the memorial tablets away once you have finished offering your prayer; do not just leave them there throughout the day. Once you have set up the tablets on the offering table, you may offer incense, prostrate, perform recitation, and prostrate again after offering Little Houses. Once the incense has burnt out, you may put them all away.
It may spell trouble if you leave them there the whole day. Firstly, the spirits of the deceased may not have much time to visit you that often anyway and secondly, in the event they leave, there’s a chance that other foreign spirits may come over.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse (Question 42), 15 July 2012
WAYS TO HANDLE THE PORTRAIT OF A DECEASED AFTER THIRD DEATH ANNIVERSARY
Question: Upon the passing of someone, is it a must to take out his memorial portrait on his death anniversary to pay respect to? Is there a time limit as to how long we can do this for? In the event that we stop doing so, how should such a memorial portrait be handled?
Answer: Typically, you can do this for three years. In the past, the mourning period lasted three years. For those, who are not able to observe such a long mourning period, they should take out the portrait of the deceased and pay respect to them within the first three death anniversaries, the Ching Ming Festival, Zhong Yuan Festival (Ullambana Festival) and Dong Zhi Festival (Winter Solstice). If you are not going to perform the ritual after three years, you may wrap and store it.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse (Question 322), 18 July 2019
[Note: For related information, please refer to Q&A 75. Ancestral tablets]
< Offer Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra Self-Cultivation Record Form from Winter Solstice to the Third day of Lunar New Year >
THE RECITATION OF THE AMITABHA PURE LAND REBIRTH MANTRA FROM WINTER SOLSTICE TO THE THIRD DAY OF LUNAR NEW YEAR
Caller: The Winter Solstice is just around the corner. Master once mentioned that during the period from Winter Solstice to the third day of Lunar New Year, we can recite three batches of 49 or 108 repetitions of the Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra daily. We can treat one batch as our daily homework, while the balance for self-cultivation purposes and they can be dotted on the Self-Cultivation Record Form with 272 repetitions of the mantra. I’d like to ask Master whether we should pray to Guan Yin Bodhisattva to protect, bless and help eliminate our karmic obstacles?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes, of course. In fact, the Winter Solstice is also an extremely important festival. There is a belief that this is a period to nourish our body, to sustain and extend our longevity, and etc.
Caller: Alright, do we pray to Bodhisattva to protect and bless us, and help eliminate our karmic obstacles?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes.
Caller: What should our prayer be for the additional Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra that we recite during this period?
Master Jun Hong Lu: It is still the same – to pray for the elimination of your karmic obstacles. The Winter Solstice actually represents “the imminent rise of the Yang (positive) energy” in heaven and earth, that is, the picking up of the Yang energy once Winter Solstice passes. That is why people regard the Winter Solstice as the arrival of a brand new year since spring comes right after Winter Solstice.
Caller: Is it as good as one has gone through the lunar new year?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes. It basically means, relative to the whole year, the sun is directly hitting the southernmost latitude, almost on the Tropic of Capricorn. This is a time when it is most inclined to the northern hemisphere and completely tilted, making it a natural solar term in ancient China.
Caller: I understand. Master, if we do not have a Buddhist altar at home and hence, are unable to offer the Self-Cultivation Record Form during this period, is it alright for us to regard the additional recitations of the mantra as part of our daily homework?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes.
Caller: Would it activate our karmic obstacles?
Master Jun Hong Lu: No, it will not.
Source: Wenda20181209A 00:47, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
FROM WINTER SOLSTICE TILL THE THIRD DAY OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR, ONE MAY RECITE UP TO THREE BATCHES OF THE AMITABHA PURE LAND REBIRTH MANTRA
Master Jun Hong Lu: From Winter Solstice till the third day of Lunar New Year, you may recite up to three batches of the Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra (Wang Sheng Zhou) to help free yourself from minor foreign spirits.
A “batch” can either be 49 or 108 times of recitation. You may count your recitation for this purpose as part of your daily homework or for self-cultivation purposes. However, it is recommended that you recite one batch as your homework and the remaining two for self-cultivation purposes.
In this way, people with more foreign spirits or heftier karma need not worry that by stepping up the recitation of the Eighty-Eight Buddhas Great Repentance, including those meant for self-cultivation purposes, towards the year-end will result in the activation of their karmic obstacles in the event that they are not able to catch up with the recitation of Little House.
Source: Wenda20160925B 18:07, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
THE RECITATION OF THE ADDITIONAL AMITABHA PURE LAND REBIRTH MANTRA FROM WINTER SOLSTICE TO THE THIRD DAY OF LUNAR NEW YEAR
Question: In one of your radio programs, it was mentioned that from the upcoming Winter Solstice till the third day of Lunar New Year, we can recite up to three batches of the Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra (Wang Sheng Zhou) daily (i.e. the first batch as our homework, and the subsequent two batches for self-cultivation purposes which are to be offered upon completion). This will help eliminate karmic debts that have been activated following the recitation of the Eighty-Eight Buddhas Great Repentance (LIFO). Can we apply this method as a long-term practice?
Answer: With this method activation will still take place. The Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra will activate minor foreign spirits, whereas LIFO wil activate major foreign spirits. It doesn’t mean that by reciting the Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra you can evade the major foreign spirits as you enter old age. There’s no escape from paying what you owe. It’s imperative to recite LIFO diligently.
In the past, I mentioned that LIFO is akin to apologising to each and every ‘department’ before an overall forgiveness can be granted. Whereas, the Sapta Atitabuddha Karasaniya Dharani (Qi Fo Mie Zui Zhen Yan), is like apologising to the seven departments concerned. Thus, the power of LIFO is enormous.
The Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra is a short Buddhist scripture. Hence, when you recite three batches of it daily, you are very much like taking an easy way. That said, there is no method that it is able to replace the recitation of LIFO and Little Houses. This method of reciting the Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra is a method to be adopted on a case-to-case basis and not as a long-term practice.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse (Question 133), 5 November 2016
THE SELF-CULTIVATION RECORD FORM OF THE AMITABHA PURE LAND REBIRTH MANTRA CAN ONLY BE OFFERED IN THE PRESENCE OF A BUDDHIST ALTAR
Question: The following discourse has been applicable for the past two years, can we still do the same this year?
From Winter Solstice till the third day of Lunar New Year, we may recite up to three batches of 49-108 times of Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra daily, among which one batch is to be counted as daily recitation, and the other two in the form of self-cultivation that are to be dotted onto the Self-Cultivation Record Form (272 circles each).
It typically takes two days to complete one Self-Cultivation Record Form and you may offer one at a time as and when you complete it. Such a form can only be offered where there is a Buddhist altar. Do not do so even with the offering of Heart Incense.
When offering, you may state the following prayer, “May Guan Yin Bodhisattva protect and bless me, <your full name>, to eliminate my karmic obstacles”.
Answer: You may practise the same this year.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse (Question 265), 17 November 2018
OFFER A MAXIMUM OF THREE SELF-CULTIVATION RECORD FORMS OF THE AMITABHA PURE LAND REBIRTH MANTRA IN A DAY
Caller: Master Lu, many Buddhist friends have recited the Self-Cultivation Record Forms for the fast-approaching Lunar New Year. One such form is the Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra with 272 circles. What is the maximum number of such forms that we may offer per day?
Master Jun Hong Lu: It is not advisable to offer too many a day — three forms at most.
Caller: Alright.
Source: Wenda20190104 22:49, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SELF-CULTIVATION RECORD FORM OF THE AMITABHA PURE LAND REBIRTH MANTRA
Question: A fellow practitioner does not have a Buddhist altar at home and hence, he is unable to offer any Self-Cultivation Record Form of the Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra from Winter Solstice till the third day of Lunar New Year. He would like to ask whether he can incorporate all the add-on recitations of the mantra into his daily homework?
Answer: Yes, he can do so. That said, it still works best if he can recite one batch as part of his daily homework, with the remaining for self-cultivation purposes. In the absence of a Buddhist altar at home, at the least, what he can do is to set up a temporary Buddhist altar with a portrait of Guan Yin Bodhisattva and offer some incense.
Question: When offering the Self Cultivation Record Form for the Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra, what should our prayer be?
Answer: May Guan Yin Bodhisattva protect and bless me, <your full name>, and help eliminate my karmic obstacles.
Question: In this regard, is there a particular ratio that we should follow, that is, the number of Little Houses to be offered for every Self-Cultivation Record Form offered in one day?
Alternatively, is it alright to offer a few Self-Cultivation Record Forms first and complement them with a certain number of Little Houses that are to be offered at a later stage? Am I right to say, we should not offer the Self-Cultivation Record Forms daily in the event that we are unable to recite a sufficient number of Little Houses?
Answer: In this regard, there is no specific ratio that you need to adhere to. Typically, if you feel that there is a need to offer more Little Houses, you should just do so.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse (Question 133), 5 November 2016
CHILDREN MUST BE AT LEAST 12 TO RECITE THE THREE BATCHES OF THE AMITABHA PURE LAND REBIRTH MANTRA DAILY FROM WINTER SOLSTICE TO THE THIRD DAY OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR
Question: In relation to a child, what is the minimum age to perform daily recitation of the three batches of 49 or up to 108 times of the Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra between Winter Solstice and the third day of the Lunar New Year?
Answer: The child must be at least 12 years old.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse (Question 204), 25 January 2018
CAN WE RECITE MORE AMITABHA PURE LAND REBIRTH MANTRA FOR BABIES FROM WINTER SOLSTICE TO THE THIRD DAY OF LUNAR NEW YEAR?
Caller: Is it alright to perform daily recitation of the three batches of 49 or up to 108 times of the Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra for a three-month old newborn from Winter Solstice till the third day of the Lunar New Year ?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes, it’s alright to do so.
Caller: Okay, thank you Master for your advice.
Source: Wenda20200103 12:24, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
THE ADDITIONAL AMITABHA PURE LAND REBIRTH MANTRA RECITED DURING MENSTRUATION CAN BE REGARDED AS PART OF THE ADD-ON RECITATION PERFORMED DURING THE WINTER SOLSTICE PERIOD
Question: From Winter Solstice till the third day of Lunar New Year, one may recite up to three batches of 49 or 108 repetitions of the Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra (Wang Sheng Zhou) each. One of the batches can be counted as daily recitation, while the other two for self-cultivation purposes. For ladies who recite additional 49 repetitions of the said mantra during their menstruation, can their recitations be regarded as part of the three batches of recitation performed during the Winter Solstice period?
Answer: Yes.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse (Question 274), 22 December 2018
WOMEN WHO HAVE YET TO REACH THE FIRST TRIMESTER OF THEIR PREGNANCY CAN RECITE THREE BATCHES OF 108 REPETITIONS OF THE AMITABHA PURE LAND REBIRTH MANTRA EACH DAILY DURING THE WINTER SOLSTICE PERIOD
Question: Can pregnant women recite three batches of 108 repetitions of the Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra (Wang Sheng Zhou) each day from Winter Solstice till the third day of Lunar New Year? Is it fine to do so if they have yet to reach the first trimester of their pregnancy or is it better to wait till this period is over?
Answer: It is fine as long as they do so during the daytime.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse (Question 274), 22 December 2018
PREGNANT WOMEN MAY OFFER NO MORE THAN 49 LITTLE HOUSES TO EACH DECEASED PERSON, AS WELL AS KARMIC CREDITORS ON WINTER SOLSTICE
Question: Master has previously mentioned that one may offer no more than 49 Little Houses to each deceased person, and a maximum of 49 Little Houses to his own karmic creditors on the day of Winter Solstice. Can pregnant women do the same?
Answer: Yes.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse (Question 274), 22 December 2018
DAILY RECITATION OF THE AMITABHA PURE LAND REBIRTH MANTRA DURING THE WINTER SOLSTICE PERIOD CAN BE REGARDED AS PART OF THE VOW OF 10,000 REPETITIONS ONE MAKES
Question: If one has made the vow to recite 10,000 times of the Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra (Wang Sheng Zhou), can the three batches of 108 repetitions of the Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra (Wang Sheng Zhou) performed daily during the Winter Solstice period make up part of the vow?
Answer: Yes, recitations during the Winter Solstice period may be included as part of the 10,000 repetitions.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse (Question 274), 22 December 2018
CRITERIA TO PERFORM ALL-NIGHT RECITATION AFTER OFFERING FIRST INCENSE ON WINTER SOLSTICE
Question: Amitabha Buddha’s birthday falls on 23 December 2018, and it so happens that Winter Solstice is the day before. Is it alright to perform all-night recitation of Buddhist scriptures, including the Heart Sutra and the Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra (Wang Sheng Zhou) after offering the First Incense on the day of Winter Solstice.
Answer: You may do so provided you have a Buddhist altar at home and Bodhisattvas are present.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse (Question 274), 22 December 2018
< Notes on Offering Self-Cultivation Record Form >
Q&A 122. Performing recitation for self-cultivation
Q: Dear Master Lu, can we record the sutras and mantras that we recite for daily recitation and Little Houses on the Self-Cultivation Record Form?
Please advise us on how we should store and use the sutras and mantras that we recite for self-cultivation purposes?
A:
- Your daily recitation of Buddhist sutras and mantras, and your recitation of Little Houses or self-cultivation need to be performed separately.
- Daily recitations can be likened to your daily expenditure—you use it for the day. Performing recitation of Little Houses can be compared to repaying your debts. Performing recitation for self-cultivation purposes is similar to saving for your pension. The merits and virtues that you accumulate from performing recitation will be stored in your records of merits and virtues.
- You can download and print the forms for self-cultivation on yellow paper. Unlike Little House, which has a particular size and format requirement, the paper size does not matter for the Self-Cultivation Record Form.
- On the form, use a black pen to write your name or the names of other recipients in the “Offer To” field, and write the name of the person performing the recitation in the “Recited by devotee” field.
- If you have changed your name, it would be best to lodge the Application for Change of Name in front of Guan Yin Bodhisattva, before using your new name. Please refer to Q&A 2: Lodging the Application for Change of Name.
- Before you start your recitation, state the following prayer to Guan Yin Bodhisattva, stating that your recitations are for self-cultivation purposes:
“May the Greatly Merciful and Greatly Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva protect and bless me, <your full name>, I am now reciting <title of the sutra or mantra> for self-cultivation purposes. May Guan Yin Bodhisattva be my witness.”
Alternatively, you can say a general prayer, for example,
“May the Greatly Merciful and Greatly Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva protect and bless me, <your full name, or the name written on the “Offer To” field>, grant me safety and harmony, or good health, etc.”
- Generally, avoid reciting the Heart Sutra, the Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra or the Eighty-Eight Buddhas Great Repentance for self-cultivation purposes after midnight.
- After you have finished reciting a particular sutra or mantra once, you can put a red dot in the corresponding circle. Once you have completed the entire form, wrap it with a red paper or red fabric and store it in a safe place. The completion date can be left blank until the day of burning the form. The more Self-Cultivation Record Forms you can accumulate and store, the better. Also, avoid dotting the circles after midnight.
- Below are the sutras and mantras for which Self-Cultivation Record Forms are available:
The Great Compassion Mantra, the Heart Sutra, the Eighty-Eight Buddhas Great Repentance (LIFO), the Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra, the Cundi Dharani, the Gong De Bao Shan Shen Zhou, the Amitabha Sutra and the Xiao Zai Ji Xiang Shen Zhou.
Read more:
Download Self-Cultivation Record Forms at this link:
https://jumpshare.com/b/2C74rOdPJ2yZtIOZ3pK0
IN TIMES OF EMERGENCY, PARTIALLY COMPLETED SELF-CULTIVATION RECORD FORMS CAN STILL BE OFFERED
Caller: Hi Master, I’ve a question and it is about the Self-Cultivation Record Form of the Great Compassion Mantra. To complete one such form, it takes more than one thousand recitations of the Great Compassion Mantra but in times of emergency, can we offer a partially completed Self-Cultivation Record Form?
Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s a great question. Just a moment, let me consult Bodhisattva. Yes, it is alright to do so.
Source: Wenda20150327 01:24:15, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
OFFERING OF THE SELF-CULTIVATION RECORD FORMS ON CHING MING FESTIVAL
According to Master Lu’s most recent instructions, in order to obtain a sense of visual satisfaction, we can recite certain sutras and mantras, record them on several Self-Cultivation Record Forms and burn them for the deceased.
In this regard, you may recite and record the Great Compassion Mantra, the Heart Sutra, the Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra and the Eighty-Eight Buddhas Great Repentance.
Little Houses have a standard format to adhere to and hence, they should not be altered, while the Self-Cultivation Record Forms come in different formats. A large form represents 1,027 times of recitation, whereas a small one (a quarter of an A4-size paper) represents 272 times of recitation. On the other hand, the Eighty-Eight Buddhas Great Repentance Self-Cultivation Record Form comes in various formats – 9, 12, 21, 27, 49, 81 or 108 times etc.
Here is an analogy: Offering the Self-Cultivation Record Forms is like giving a gift. The type and quantity of these forms that one wishes to offer may vary and are at one’s discretion (a sample can be found here). On the other hand, Little Houses are like cheques, which must follow a standard format (a sample can be found here).
You may offer some small Self-Cultivation Record Forms for the deceased family members on special occasions such as their death anniversaries, Ching Ming Festival, the Ullambana Festival and Winter Solstice.
Write the full name of the deceased on the left field (“Offer to”) and your full name on the right field (“Recited by devotee”) of the Self-Cultivation Record Forms.
However, keep in mind that burning Self-Cultivation Record Forms only has the effect of a blessing, that is, it can only slightly increase one’s spiritual energy and is unable to help the deceased ascend to a higher spiritual realm. Only Little Houses can help the deceased attain liberation. Therefore, if some semblance of visual satisfaction is not required, it is still best to recite Little House, which is more respectful and effective.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism Your Questions Answered, Q&A 53
SELF-CULTIVATION RECORD FORM IS FOR EMERGENCY USE ONLY; LITTLE HOUSE IS TO REPAY KARMIC DEBTS; IT IS ADVISABLE TO RESERVE MORE LITTLE HOUSES
Caller: Is it better for an elderly person to reserve more Little Houses, or the Self-Cultivation Record Forms?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Reserve more Little Houses. This is because the Self-Cultivation Record Forms are for emergency use only. The latter can be likened to getting a traditional Chinese massage as a quick relief from serious spinal injury.
At the tailend of our life’s journey, we will need to recite more of the Great Compassion Mantra and the Heart Sutra. At this time, we may also offer some of the Self-Cultivation Record Forms.
However, when we aspire to attain a higher spiritual realm, we need to clear our karmic debts, otherwise, we will not be pardoned by our karmic creditors. This is when Little House comes into play.
Caller: That means it is still best to reserve Little House.
Master Jun Hong Lu: That is for sure.
Source: Shuohua20120525 10:55, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
OFFERING SELF-CULTIVATION RECORD FORMS IN THE ABSENCE OF A FORMAL BUDDHIST ALTAR
Caller: With the exception of the Self-Cultivation Eighty-Eight Buddhas Great Repentance, is it alright for those without a Buddhist altar to offer Self-Cultivation Record Forms of the Great Compassion Mantra, the Heart Sutra, the Cundi Dharani, and the Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Though you may do so in the day, it will be rather cumbersome because you may need to make more prayer requests prior to doing so. It is best for you to get a picture of the entire Buddhist altar of Oriental Radio’s Guan Yin Hall and display the picture whenever offering the Self-Cultivation Record Forms.
Caller: Does it mean that I need to take a picture of the Buddhist altar to look at for this purpose?
Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s right. Take a photograph of it and find a place to set it up whenever you are offering the Self-Cultivation Record Forms.
Caller: In this case, do I need to offer incense?
Master Jun Hong Lu: That goes without saying. One stick of incense is sufficient because that’s all it takes to invite the Bodhisattva.
Caller: Does it mean that when offering the Self-Cultivation Record Forms, it is best to set up a temporary Buddhist altar?
Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s right. It will not work without one because in the absence of Bodhisattva’s blessings, you run the risk of having your Buddhist scriptures being stolen.
Caller: I see. Is it right to say that it’s alright to burn the Eighty-Eight Buddhas Great Repentance in the presence of a temporary Buddhist altar for those who do not have a formal altar?
Master Jun Hong Lu: It is not right to say “burning the Eighty-Eight Buddhas Great Repentance”. Instead, it should be termed as “offering the Self-Cultivation Record Forms”. The former may be misleading because others may think that you are burning the Buddhist scripture. Do you understand?
Caller: I’m sorry.
Master Jun Hong Lu: Burning the Self-Cultivation Record Forms entails offering certain Buddhist scriptures that one recites as part of one’s spiritual cultivation.
Caller: Thank you, Master.
Source: Wenda20160108 20:30, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
CAN SELF-CULTIVATION RECORD FORM OF THE EIGHTY-EIGHT BUDDHAS GREAT REPENTANCE (LIFO) BE POST-DATED TO ITS OFFERING DATE?
Caller: Master Lu, you once mentioned that under special circumstances, Little House can be post-dated to the day that it will be made effective. I would like to ask if the same can be applied to the Self-Cultivation Form of LIFO? For example, Chinese New Year is around the corner, some Buddhist friends will be away, either to their relatives’ house or return to their hometown, where there is no Buddhist altar. In this regard, is it alright for them to date the Self-Cultivation Form, say, 15 February but offer it today?
Master Jun Hong Lu: The same rule applies. That’s considered post-dated, just like a cheque. However, it is best to write an earlier date.
Caller: That’s right. Master, you once mentioned that this applies to Little House.
Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes.
Caller: These days, many Buddhist friends will be returning home for Chinese New Year, where there is no Buddhist altar and hence, unable to recite that many Buddhist scriptures. Under such circumstances, they may post-date the Self-Cultivation Forms to a future date, but offer them earlier. Is that alright, Master?
Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s alright.
Source: Wenda20180126 01:02:34, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
OFFERING OF SELF-CULTIVATION RECORD FORM OF THE EIGHTY-EIGHT BUDDHAS GREAT REPENTANCE ON THE FIRST DAY OF LUNAR NEW YEAR
Caller: I would like to ask another question – something that many have expressed great concern for – and it is about the recitation of the Eighty-Eight Buddhas Great Repentance (LIFO) for self-cultivation purposes. On the first day of Lunar New Year, we can recite up to 87 times of LIFO.## Some Buddhist friends are of the view that we can offer 80 times of LIFO via Self-Cultivation Record Form with the remaining seven to be recited on the day itself. Is this proper?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes.
Caller: Is there any difference, in terms of effectiveness, between offering 80 times of self-cultivated LIFO and reciting them all on the day itself?
Master Jun Hong Lu: It works both ways. Why is it so? If you are offering through the self-cultivation method, you would need to state,
“May the Greatly Merciful and Greatly Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva protect and bless me, <your full name>. I have accumulated <number> times of self-cultivated Eighty-Eight Buddhas Great Repentance.
May Guan Yin Bodhisattva and the Dharma Protectors be my witness, I hereby offer these merits of mine as repayment for my karmic dues and the elimination of my karmic obstacles”.
Once you make such a prayer request, your offering is made more effective.
Caller: Alright.
Source: Wenda20150612 12:52, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
## Based on the latest discourses of Master Lu, we can recite a total number of 87 times of LIFO on the eve and first day of Chinese New Year.
