The Origin of Ullambana and Making Offerings to Sangha

Ullambana Sangha Offering Ceremony is for Buddhist laity to offer exquisite delicacies to the Buddha and the Sangha as an act of reverence. According to the Ullambanapatra Sutra, when Maudgalyayana, a chief disciple of Sakyamuni Buddha, was unable to lessen the miseries suffered by his mother in the realm of hungry ghosts, the World Honored One told him that the only way to deliver his mother from the pains of suffering is to rely upon the power acquired by monastics of the ten directions in their cultivation of meritorious virtues. The Buddha instructed his chief disciple to dedicate an elaborate oblation of dainties and fruits to all Sangha members in the names of his parents from the past seven liftimes as well as the present lifetime because the practice of Sangha offeing has the power to transform and deliver all sentient beings. The merits thus acquired could emancipate the deceased from the three suffering realms and allow the living to enjoy a life of abundance, good fortune and longevity. Therefore, by observing the practice of Ullambana Sangha Offering, all Buddhists can deliver their parents from the miseries of the three lower realms.

It’s time for the annual Ullambana Festival; your contribution for the education of the FoGuangShan Buddhist Sangha of monks and nuns at this time will be greatly appreciated. In return the Sangha can continue serving the need of the community. Your donation of supporting the FoGuangShan Buddhist Sangha will be greatly appreciated.

If you wish to make a donation to support the FoGuangShan Buddhist Sangha of monks and nuns, please make checks payable to: I.B.P.S. Houston.

Yours truly,

FoGuangShan Chung-Mei Temple (I.B.P.S. Houston)