Deities and Faith
What does a blessing ritual of ringing a bell 108 times express?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
Ringing the bell 108 times expresses a prayer to remove 108 kinds of affliction. Leaving undesirable things in the old year, letting go of obstacles, and welcoming peace and blessings in the new year are the ritual’s main intention.
During the pandemic, many people could not conveniently visit temples, and some New Year activities were canceled. Sheng Zhen Men therefore arranged bell-ringing blessings during the zi hour as New Year’s Eve passed into the first day, alongside Tai Sui appeasement and light-lamp offerings. We hoped this channel would allow people unable to visit temples to express wishes to the deities.
We also prayed that everyone would be free from the pandemic’s effects and enjoy settled body, mind, and spirit, peace, and health. We were using familiar blessing rituals to help people and express New Year wishes. The 108 rings have religious symbolism; they do not guarantee that all life’s worries disappear when the ringing ends.