Question: Is It okay to burn perhaps a little paper offerings for deceased Buddhists?
Answer: Buddhists wakes are ideally for offering guidance (开示) and support-chanting (助念) to facilitate the deceased’s reaching of Āmítuófó’s Pure Land. Practices for doing so can be seen at https://purelanders.com/wake.
Since this mission is clear, it is important to stay focused, to not compromise and confuse by sending mixed signals. For those who do not understand, this article should be shared.
In the worst-case scenario, with the presence of paper offerings like a house, ‘money’ and such at the wake, the deceased might become keen on receiving them, thus not being sincere in practising mindfulness of Āmítuófó’. Not only will the offerings not be received, the Pure Land will not be reached too, becoming a wandering spirit instead. This is a lose-lose situation, hazardous to the next life of the deceased.
If there is regular guidance and support-chanting offered sincerely, and if the deceased likewise gives rise to sincere mindfulness of Buddha, not only will the Pure Land be reached, the amenities attained there (e.g. with magnificent towering pavilions [楼阁] and no need for money) will be supreme and pure in nature, transcending those worldly ones hoped for. This is a win-win situation, beneficial to the deceased, and even the survivors who faciliated this.
Related Articles:
佛教徒该为亡者烧纸扎供品吗？
Extended: Is It Advisable For Buddhists To Burn Paper Offerings For The Deceased?
https://purelanders.com/2024/04/01/is-it-advisable-for-buddhists-to-burn-paper-offerings-for-the-deceased
死亡前后与丧礼中后的诵念
What To Chant When Dying, After Death, During And After Wakes
https://purelanders.com/wake
