Things to know when going to the temple on the 15th day of the first lunar month
(Baonghean.vn) - In the first lunar month, people often go to pagodas to pray for a peaceful and happy new year. Below are things to know when going to pagodas on the 15th day of the first lunar month.
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| There is a folk saying: “January is the month of pagodas”, especially the full moon of January is one of the most important holidays of Vietnamese people. On this day, almost every family worships Buddha and ancestors at home. Next, people go to pagodas to pray for health and peace in the new year. |
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| Do not prepare non-vegetarian offerings when going to the temple. Offerings to the temple do not need to be too elaborate, mainly sincere offerings, such as incense, flowers, betel and areca nuts, fruits, sticky rice and sweet soup. In many areas of the temple, only vegetarian offerings are allowed. Among them, non-vegetarian offerings are not allowed, especially in the Buddha hall area (main hall). |
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| Do not bring votive paper money or real money to offer at the temple. Many people believe that "the earthly life is like the afterlife", so when going to the temple to pay respect, they still bring a lot of votive paper money and real money to offer to Buddha at the temple. However, the truth is not so. You should not buy votive paper money or real money when going to the temple. |
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| In addition, when going to the temple, families should absolutely not place real money on the main altar of the temple. Alcohol, beer, and cigarettes cannot be placed on the Buddha altar, but can be placed on the Saint altar. |
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| When going to the temple, you should not pray for fame or fortune. Because according to Vietnamese religious beliefs, Buddha only blesses peace and protection for every family, not other things. |
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| When going to the pagoda on the 15th day of the first lunar month, you should not dress indecently, such as wearing skirts that are too short, shorts, or see-through shirts... Everyone should wear modest, neat clothing and can choose clothes that have the same color tone as the robes that Buddhists often wear to the pagoda, which are brown and blue. |
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| For Buddhists, when going to the temple, wear ceremonial clothes. Especially, when going to the Buddha's door, everyone should walk lightly, speak softly... when talking to the monk, you should clasp your hands in the shape of a lotus bud. |
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| When coming to the temple, you need to pay attention to the order of placing and performing the ceremony. First, place the ceremony and burn incense at the altar of Duc Ong. Next, place the ceremony on the incense table of the main hall, then burn incense at all the other altars of the worship house such as the Mother Temple, Tu Phu Temple. Finally, perform the ceremony at the Ancestor Temple (the Rear Hall). |
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| After the ceremony, everyone should go to the temple's reception room to visit the abbot and make donations as they please. All real money should be placed in the main donation box. Do not "spread" money all over the altar or place it in the hands of the statues. |
