Life, Death and Ancestors
Do flowers at an accident site trap the deceased and prevent reincarnation?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
Flowers and mourning cannot alone be said to trap someone or prevent reincarnation. First distinguish remembrance from religious worship rather than treat both as identical upon seeing a bouquet.
A student sent a video suggesting flowers and offerings at a site might keep the deceased there. From my religious experience, if someone remains, investigate whether they understand their death, whether soul invitation occurred and what attachments remain. A few bouquets cannot carry the entire explanation.
After soul invitation, remaining flowers may simply express remembrance. Continued wandering without invitation is possible in my view, but cannot make every flower site contain trapped beings or every accidental death prevent departure.
I am more reserved about drinks and food offered there because the site may not be where the tablet is installed. Remembrance is understandable, but specific offerings need distinction. Funerals, weekly rites and guidance also accompany living families through loss. Remembrance should not become unnecessary fear.