Vietnamese Blessing Ceremony

Craig Hannah Reporting, Connecticut Sangha

On the first night of our annual spring retreat, Brother Noble Silence instructed us on how to perform several Buddhist ceremonies that a Buddhist monk, priest, or teacher may be called on to perform. The ceremonies were a general blessing, a wedding blessing, and a blessing appropriate for a funeral service.

The general blessing is done with a glass of water with a small flower or willow branch in it. Hold the glass in your left hand with your middle and ring fingers of that hand folded against your palm. The remaining three fingers (which represent the Three Jewels) secure the glass as it sits in your hand. Form a mudra with your right hand by using your thumb to hold down your right ring finger. Raise your hands so that they form a line from your mouth, to your right hand, to the glass, and to the alter.

In this shot Ted is demonstrating the correct hand mudras and concentration

With an attitude of peace and serenity, visualize Avalokiteshvara as you recite the Om mani padme hum mantra three times. Then, with your right hand, trace the outline of the Sanskrit characters denoting Goodness.

Calligraphy of the Sanskrit characters denoting Goodness

Next, make three small counter clockwise circles with your right hand  while visualizing the Pure Land. Remove the flower or branch and use it to sprinkle the, now blessed, water on the alter, followed by whatever is appropriate for the situation, e.g. the corners of the room, or a child being blessed.