December 22, 2023 (November 10th) Winter solstice, the winter solstice is a long-standing traditional festival of the Chinese nation, originating from the ancient "wax sacrifice", which is not only one of the solar terms, but also a traditional festival, and a day for the public to commemorate their ancestors. The day of the winter solstice is also an important day of sacrifice to ancestors like Qingming and Zhongyuan.
It is advisable to practice filial piety and avoid disobedience
The winter solstice, whether it is to go to the ancestors' graves to worship or to pay tribute at home, is to remind everyone not to forget the fundamentals, to know the kindness of gratitude, ancestor worship is actually a kind of filial piety education, "filial piety" cloud: "Husband filial piety, the foundation of virtue also, the place of teaching is born." "With the foundation of filial piety, other virtues can really arise and last, the Buddha should also often reflect, for the ancestors still dare not forget, not to mention the parents in front of them, how can there be no filial piety?
It is advisable to sacrifice and avoid killing
In traditional folklore, there is a Xi of worshipping ancestors with meat, but as a true Buddha**, you should not kill for reasons that conform to folk customs, if you create a killing karma, it will be harmful to the ancestors and yourself.
When worshipping ancestors, you can offer water, vegetables, fruits, vegetarian food, and flowers, but if you don't understand your family, you insist on offering meat and fish, and don't argue about it, you can deal with it skillfully. For example, as an expedient measure, the change of concept is not an overnight thing, and it needs to be subtly guided in daily small things.
It is advisable to chant sutras, and avoid relaxation
Master Yinguang has clearly pointed out that the Buddha's ancestors should be based on chanting, mantras, and Buddha, whether in front of the tomb or at home, you can chant sutras, hold the name of the Buddha, and return the merits to the ancestors, reincarnation of the six paths, and each other's parents, so what we worship our ancestors is not only the ancestors represented by the tombstone, but also the ancestors and relatives of our own generations. When making merit dedications, it can also be dedicated to all sentient beings represented in the cemetery, and then extended to all sentient beings in the Ten Dharma Realms.
In addition to the above-mentioned methods, we can also do more good deeds and make good connections, which not only helps us to better generate bodhichitta for ourselves, but also makes meaningful merits for the world and our ancestors.
For example, if conditions permit, go to the mountains, forests and lakes to scientifically and rationally release some animals that are easy to survive and conducive to ecological balance. Or plant a sapling with your own hands. In the cold winter months, actively rescue stray or injured animals. Another example is to visit and accompany the lonely elderly in nursing homes, and treat the elderly as their own relatives. For those around you who are in difficulty, we will help them in a quiet way. Dedicate merit to your ancestors and ancestors, and sincerely wish to benefit yourself and others, and live up to this life.