Life, Death and Ancestors
Can recitation and merit still help a deceased loved one after forty-nine days?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
Yes. After forty-nine days, recitation and merit-making for deceased relatives or friends can still help. I prefer doing what is possible within that period, but passing it does not make every opportunity too late.
I compared it to a train ticket: someone originally heading somewhere might receive more support and gain an opportunity for a better destination. This illustrates my faith perspective, not a literal posthumous transfer station or money buying a ticket to a particular world.
The help received still relates to the deceased’s condition, merit and circumstances, and helpers’ sincerity and cultivation. Relatives can sincerely recite and bless, without treating payment for a ceremony as a guarantee that everything is completed at once.