Life, Death and Ancestors
Can deceased people or ancestors take refuge?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
Yes. I have arranged refuge for the deceased. A friend sensitive to energy dreamed that family ancestors wanted to take refuge and asked whether Sheng Zhen Men could arrange it. Only after understanding and confirmation did we hold that ceremony.
We asked our Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to preside and prepared refuge documents and petitions for earnest presentation. Saying “take refuge” alone did not complete it. Our ordinary refuge work already values individual circumstances, whether the recipient is living or deceased.
That occasion moved me deeply. Having never arranged it for the deceased before, I rationally wondered whether it would work. Yet during the ritual I clearly felt Buddhas and Bodhisattvas arrive and personally preside. This perception strengthened my confidence within faith and belief that the ancestor had received refuge and could depart with them.
The ancestral dream began the inquiry, followed by understanding and confirmation. Helping deceased family still requires considering their circumstances and needs before discussing suitable religious help. Conditions need not be identical every time.