Question: How can we bless a new (or old) house before moving in?
Answer: The below is the simplest yet still effective Buddhist way.
[1] Cleaning: Declutter and clean the whole house thoroughly. (This is preparing, for setting up shrine respectfully, and for the family to move in comfortably.)
[2] Setting Up: Set up a Buddhist shrine with some (vegan) offerings, including a cup of water. (This is for creating a spiritual centre at home.)
[3] Consecrating: Recite Āmítuófó’s name (阿弥陀佛) sincerely for 15 minutes or more, to express sincerity adequately, and for connecting to the Buddha’s blessings. This is ideally practised by all in the family moving in. (This is for consecrating the water [and consecrating the Buddhist image, if new]. This guiding track can be used: https://purelanders.com/mp3.)
[4] Blessing: Hold the cup of water with one hand at chest level and walk around every part of the house in a clockwise direction, thus circumambulating the shrine. When walking, gently sprinkle the water with the other hand’s clean fingers (i.e. thumb and first two fingers), while continuing sincere reciting of Buddha’s name, with everyone walking orderly in a line. (This is to use the consecrated water as a medium to offer blessings to every part of the house.)
[5] Dedicating: Return to the shrine and dedicate (回向) meritorious virtues (功德) from the entire practice to all beings.
The furniture and family can then move in with peace of mind. There should still be daily making of offerings, with at least water, along with recitation of the Buddha’s name before dedication of merits. The above blessing practice can be done at any time, even in places already lived or worked in for many years.
