Ullambana

The 15th Day of the 7th Month in Lunar calendars is one on which a number of celebrations and festivals occur. For example, the Ghost Festival occurs in China.

Within some forms of Buddhism it marks the end of the 90 days of the monks’ Summer Retreat and is the day on which they confess their sins and then return to their normal places of residence and resume normal duties. It also marks the end of the Summer ceremonies within the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism at the Labrang Monastery in China.

However, also in Buddhism, the 15th Day of the 7th Lunar Month is known by a number of names in differing languages for a completely different reason. It is called the Buddha’s Joyful Day, Sangha Day and Ullambana (from the Sanskrit) for the celebration of a special festival. In China it is known as Yu-lan-pen.

According to Buddhist legend, Maudgalyayana, who was one of the ten great disciples of the Buddha, discovered through his deva-eye that his mother, who had incurred severe bad karma by killing, had been reborn in the realms of pain and suffering. When he learned that her spirit was being subjected to starvation and misery, he decided to relieve her of her suffering.

Once he entered the netherworld, Maudgalyayana found his mother starving and in a pitiful state. He offered her food, but when she tried to eat it the food turned to smouldering pieces of charcoal. Maudgalyayana sought advice and help from his master and the Buddha told him that his mother's offences were deep-rooted and that he alone would not be able to ease her sufferings.

The Buddha advised Maudgalyayana to make offerings of five fruits, incense, oil, lamps, candles, beds and bedding to the assembled members of the Order and pray along with them for the liberation of his mother's soul. The Buddha also told Maudgalyayana that by making such offerings, not only his mother but also his forefathers, kith and kin would escape suffering and attain eternal bliss and salvation.

The day on which Maudgalyayana performed the act of compassionate conduct and brought salvation to his forefathers was celebrated as Ullambana. On this day, Buddhists offer prayers both for their departed forefathers and for their living parents and elders.

It is generally believed that one who performs a good deed accumulates spiritual merit. It is considered an even more pious act when the merit earned is shared with departed souls, which will help them to be reborn in good realms and alleviate their suffering.

Ullambana is celebrated by Buddhists the world over. Though there are slight variations in customs and beliefs, the fundamental rituals remain essentially the same. Besides offering prayers for the souls of deceased ancestors and the welfare of their parents, people carry offerings such as food, medicine and clothes for monks and nuns in monasteries. This celebration is an act of thanksgiving to the sangha community for their blessings and prayers.

When offered in a temple, the Ullambana container should be placed in front of the Buddha image. Food such as vegetables, fruits, noodles, biscuits, rice, oil, tea, etc. should be placed in the container. The container will then be offered to the Buddha and the Sangha.