Is the seventh lunar month really more dangerous? How should Ghost Month taboos be understood?

The seventh lunar month is not the only month with ghosts. I have discussed how the long-held belief in opening ghost gates creates a distinctive collective intention and atmosphere. Those paying little attention to the month may be less affected by that atmosphere. In another episode, I also said Ghost Month energy can indeed strengthen some conditions involving unseen beings, so people should not be recklessly dismissive and should remain careful. I have expressed both views, one concerning collective intention and atmosphere, the other Ghost Month energy. This is my faith-based understanding, not accident statistics. All accidents in that month cannot be attributed to ghosts.

The program also discussed why the seventh lunar month became Ghost Month. The account traced it to the fifteenth day, the birthday of the Earth Official of Zhongyuan and a day of pardoning wrongdoing. Unseen beings suffering in the underworld who sincerely repent and request his pardon may have their offenses forgiven, somewhat like parole. Folk customs added further elements, turning the month into Ghost Month. As to why precisely that time was chosen, the program said tracing it was too difficult.

First consider what a taboo reminds us. My parents told me not to swim at the sea or streams that month. But I have also said indoor pools differ from the sea and are relatively safer; not all swimming is forbidden. My explanation of waves and tides carrying deceased beings’ energy is religious, not an investigation of every water accident. Practical risks also exist: hot weather brings more swimmers, currents may be hidden, depth may be misjudged and people may overestimate ability. Water looking shallow or appearing swimmable does not mean safety. Discussing drowning reports reminded people not to be careless, without establishing every cause or teaching complete water-emergency skills through a few paragraphs.

Sparsely populated places also need consideration of actual conditions. I discuss yin energy through faith, and my mother advised avoiding mountains and the coast. But this cannot become a map declaring every place dangerous. Nor does disbelief in Ghost Month excuse neglect of water, traffic or site safety.

Positive thinking and preparation can coexist. “It will not happen; I am not that unlucky” must not replace attention to immediate circumstances. I used a hypothetical person behaving strangely and producing a weapon to remind people to be alert, not to report an actual incident. Understanding possible risks helps avoidance, rather than trapping yourself in imagined dangers all day.

I have also said upright conduct gives greater inner strength. Past wrongs can be met with sincere repentance, recitation and dedication of merit, and requests for support from familiar Guanyin, Mazu or other deities. This is my direction of practice. It does not mean accident victims must have done something wrong.

The program also suggested that, whether or not one believes in ghosts, offering worship on the Zhongyuan universal-offering day may be worthwhile. This follows custom and is not compulsory. Businesses and apartment buildings across the streets make offerings that day, and the inherited faith has its reasons.

I also remind people that stronger negative energy that month can stir inner anger. In relationships, work and driving, do not feel compelled to fight whenever anger arises. Relaxing and yielding are practices I have discussed, though yielding is not a guarantee of safety every time. Taboos also differ by circumstance. An ordinary umbrella has not been used to capture spirits; accidentally opening it indoors need not cause fear. Films showing umbrellas collecting souls differ from daily umbrella use. Old objects strongly attached to by the deceased involve another religious assessment, not certainty that every antique causes trouble.

I have hung clothes out at night myself and never said everyone doing so encounters trouble. If you are concerned, use a dryer rather than frighten yourself while doing it. I explained the indoor-hat custom through the spiritual light at the forehead and the aura: folk practice favors leaving the forehead uncovered. It does not follow that wearing a hat causes spirit interference. Red envelopes on the road also carry customary concerns such as spirit marriage, so I advise not casually picking them up. I have also heard of friends picking one up without anything happening. One pickup cannot establish a marriage or misfortune. These are different traditional contexts, not claims that touching objects causes trouble.

At offerings, avoid joking about or secretly eating the food, and do not step on or kick scattered spirit money. From faith, I suggest attention to your condition around loud nighttime noise, whistling or ghost stories that increase your fear. Eat and sleep well and rest when tired. Do not deliberately enter deserted places to prove courage. If using sacred names, the Heart Sutra, Great Compassion Mantra or familiar texts to settle yourself, understand their principles rather than merely memorizing a taboo list.

Understanding customs is about appropriate conduct, not counting daily violations. I advise respect, avoiding provocation and not deliberately exploring to prove fearlessness. Care for your mind and life, and address actual circumstances if difficulties arise.

Some also asked whether fright-calming rites are forbidden that month. We answered that no such taboo applies and there is no need for concern. People feeling affected after going out seek help in other months too. Explain what is happening when help is needed. The month does not mean nothing can be addressed.