Deities and Faith
Why sometimes restore a deceased being’s energy before seeking divine guidance onward?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
Conditions differ, so first understand current needs. Some die after illness or accidents. We may first seek religious help to care for and restore their energy, then ask divine beings to guide them onward, hoping later deliverance proceeds more smoothly.
On one occasion in a temple, we sought Medicine Buddha’s and Immortal Master Hua Tuo’s help before asking a Bodhisattva to guide them. My experience was that more complete energy made onward guidance easier and smoother. This arrangement suited that situation; deceased beings do not all have identical needs.
Others remain attached to family long after relatives have left the old home. They may need counsel and comfort, perhaps Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva’s help resolving regrets. Deliverance considers the individual and corresponding divine help, rather than one recited sequence making everything identical.