Life, Death and Ancestors
Does accidental death necessarily lead to the City of Untimely Death, and what does opening it mean?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
No. In my faith understanding, people dying accidentally have different destinations. Some wander at the scene unsure where to go; others may receive divine guidance through accumulated blessings and merit. Understand the individual instead of assigning everyone killed in traffic to the City of Untimely Death.
The account often concerns an unfinished allotted lifespan. Through energy, I understand early departure before existing energy naturally dissipates, creating a waiting period. I once wondered whether confinement after an accidental death was cruel. Later I understood an account of energy transformation, not necessary punishment because its name contains a city.
I used someone who might live to eighty but dies at forty to illustrate forty remaining years and waiting for dissipation. Opening the City means requesting divine authorization and guarantee to guide them onward, rather than continual waiting, toward further practice or rebirth sooner. Families also express filial care through the ritual.
First understand where the person is and what help is needed. At Sheng Zhen Men, Chinese chess divination or direct divine consultation informs suitable assistance. Individual circumstances differ; accidental death alone cannot prescribe the same ritual for all.