Lunar New Year Compassionate Offering and Merit Dedication for Spirits

1. Special introduction to the merits of vast offering:
The Sutra of the Offering to Hungry Ghosts states: "Although offerings are made to Arhats and Pratyekabuddhas, the rewards are limited, and they receive the fruit of human and heavenly rebirths for 500 kalpas. But when food is offered to hungry ghosts, the merit is immeasurable and leads directly to Bodhi, the fruit of which is infinite, bringing limitless benefits of longevity and prosperity." In addition, the tenfold merits of offering food:
🔸Engage in great giving, practicing the perfection of generosity.
🔸Liberate those with connections, providing benefits to the spirits.
🔸Build extensive good relationships.
🔸Gain the protection of all Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and the spirits for whom offerings are made.
🔸Eliminate harmful energies in the world.
🔸Eliminate personal karmic obstacles.
🔸Increase merits and virtues.
🔸Eliminate disasters and prolong life.
🔸Ensure a peaceful living environment.
🔸Advance on the path of Dharma.

2. The donor contributes to the following merits:
🔸On the occasion of the Lunar New Year, the donor, with compassion, donates to offer food and blessings to spirits who are suffering from hunger and thirst, and dedicates the offering and merits to them.
🔸 If there are any remaining funds, they will continue to support the monastery construction, the Dharma’s propagation, and the sangha sustenance, thereby ensuring the donor’s merits and benefits are endless, both in worldly and spiritual wealth.

3. Blessings and Merit Dedications:
🔸The monastery will create a "Compassionate Offering Merit Tablet" for the donor.
🔸Through the monastery construction, support of the sangha, and the auspicious merits of the puja, we dedicate the following: "May the spirits receive the Buddha’s blessings, their karmic obstacles cleared, and may they be freed from suffering, resolve their grudges, and be reborn in the Pure Land or a favorable realm, progressing on the path of the Dharma and ultimately attaining Buddhahood. May they develop a great Bodhisattva mind, have harmonious conditions for practice, attain great wisdom, and master all aspects of both worldly and Buddhist teachings, swiftly attain Buddhahood."