Questions: [1] Do bardo (中阴) beings (between rebirths), (lonely) wandering spirits (孤魂) and (hungry) ghosts (饿/鬼) need the living to register, for writing their names on tablets (写牌位), for them enter Buddhist temples (佛寺), to attend Dharma assemblies (法会)?
[2] If names of the deceased are registered, will they definitely attend them? [3] Will there be Dharma Protector gods (护法神) prohibiting those without registration from entering, to listen to Dharma talks and to join in Dharma practices?
Answers: [1] If a Dharma assembly is meant to be for all beings with affinity, even not having a dedicated tablet does not matter.
[2] Having a dedicated tablet does not make the deceased obliged or interested to attend a Dharma assembly as their habitual forces continue. (Meritorious virtues [功德] from the assembly dedicated can still be received in part for facilitating a good rebirth, but there must be personal mindfulness of Buddha [念佛] by the [dying or] deceased to reach Pure Land [净土].)
This is why there should be timely and ample offering of guidance (开示) and support-chanting (助念), especially before and right after death, to guide towards the best Dharma assemblies directly – in Pure Land.
When there is support-chanting done sincerely, the deceased will see the golden light (黄金光) from Āmítuófó’s (阿弥陀佛) blessings, which makes it easier for them to be convinced of the efficacy of mindfulness of Buddha, to follow our examples, to heed our advice to practise accordingly.
This is surely more clear-cut than hoping that the deceased attends some ‘random’ Dharma assembly, talk or practice session, which might not point out a direct path for the best rebirth. [3] Dharma Protector gods will only prevent troublemakers from joining Dharma assemblies.
Related Articles:
Why Merits Can Only Be Partially Dedicated?
https://thedailyenlightenment.com/2017/10/why-merits-can-only-be-partially-dedicated
Chanting When Dying, After Death, During And After Wakes
死亡前后与丧礼中后的诵念
https://purelanders.com/wake
