Can lamps be offered for deceased relatives, and how does this differ from light offerings for the living?

Yes, but clarify the lamp’s purpose. Sheng Zhen Men discusses offering light to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and dedicating merit to deceased relatives and ancestors, praying to illuminate their onward path. This differs from strengthening a living person’s natal spiritual radiance. The same phrase “lighting a lamp” does not make all arrangements identical.

Some understand a light lamp as symbolizing a person’s natal spiritual vitality and pray for its brightness. From that perspective, reserving it for the living is understandable. The deceased no longer inhabit their original bodily life, so the same purpose is not simply continued for that vitality.

The other direction I discuss is offering light before Buddhas. Illumination also encourages brightening our own and others’ lives. Dedicating this merit to deceased family seeks divine protection and guidance toward a better place through the underworld or intermediate state. This is my faith understanding and prayer, not a guarantee that a lamp determines every deceased person’s destination.

Form also belongs with purpose. I said we still use candles for the Seven-Star Lamp ritual genuinely intended to strengthen natal spiritual radiance. For offerings before Buddhas, electric lamps and LEDs can acceptably symbolize light. Intention is not present only with visible flames, nor does replacing all lamps with one type make every ritual identical.

Before praying for relatives, ask whom the offering serves, what is sought, and how merit is dedicated. Understanding prevents remembrance becoming fear of worshipping incorrectly after hearing differing views. Traditions explain lamps differently. Understand the intention, then choose an approach you understand and willingly join.