The 15th day of the seventh lunar month, known as the Mid-July Lunar Festival or Vu Lan Festival, is an important time of the year in Vietnamese culture. It is dedicated to honoring ancestors, offering help to wandering souls, and performing various spiritual rituals. A central part of these ceremonies is the recitation of specific prayers or sutras, which are seen as a means to seek blessings, express respect, and assist the spirits. This article explores in detail the popular prayers recited during this period, along with their meanings and practices.

The 15th day of the seventh lunar month, known as the Mid-July Lunar Festival or Vu Lan Festival, is an important time of the year in Vietnamese culture. It is dedicated to honoring ancestors, offering help to wandering souls, and performing various spiritual rituals. A central part of these ceremonies is the recitation of specific prayers or sutras, which are seen as a means to seek blessings, express respect, and assist the spirits. This article explores in detail the popular prayers recited during this period, along with their meanings and practices.

1. The Vu Lan Sutra

1.1. Content

The Vu Lan Sutra, also known as the Ullambana Sutra, is one of the most significant prayers during the Mid-July Lunar Festival. This sutra recounts the story of Maudgalyayana (Mục Kiền Liên), a disciple of the Buddha, who sought to rescue his mother from suffering in hell. The sutra emphasizes the importance of filial piety and merit-making for ancestors and spirits.

The sutra includes several sections, beginning with teachings on the benefits of offering and performing good deeds. Maudgalyayana, after seeing his mother suffering, sought the Buddha's help. The Buddha taught that rescuing his mother from hell could be accomplished through offerings and meritorious deeds for spirits.

1.2. Meaning

The Vu Lan Sutra carries profound meaning in relieving spirits from suffering and helping them achieve peace. By reciting this sutra, practitioners not only show respect to their ancestors but also pray for the relief of spirits in torment. The Vu Lan Sutra helps families focus on filial piety and demonstrate concern for spirits who have not yet been liberated.

1.3. Practice

To recite the Vu Lan Sutra, families typically organize a solemn ceremony at home or at a temple. The sutra may be recited in Vietnamese or Pali, depending on the family’s preference. Ceremonies usually involve lighting incense, offering fruits, plain rice porridge, and reciting the sutra to pray for the spirits.

2. The Earth Store Sutra

2.1. Content

The Earth Store Sutra, or the Kinh Địa Tạng Vương Bồ Tát, is a well-known prayer dedicated to venerating and praying for spirits. This sutra talks about the merits and compassion of Bodhisattva Kṣitigarbha, who is dedicated to saving suffering souls and helping them escape from hell.

The Earth Store Sutra often narrates the actions of Bodhisattva Kṣitigarbha in rescuing spirits and those who are suffering. Bodhisattva Kṣitigarbha is known for boundless compassion and the ability to help spirits in all circumstances.

2.2. Meaning

The Earth Store Sutra holds significant meaning in praying for guilty spirits and the deceased. By reciting this sutra, individuals seek to help spirits escape their suffering and be reborn in better realms. The Earth Store Sutra is often recited during the Mid-July Lunar Festival to express compassion and seek peace for wandering spirits.

2.3. Practice

Reciting the Earth Store Sutra can be done at home or at a temple. Families usually prepare offerings such as fruits, porridge, and candles. During the recitation, the sutra may be read in Vietnamese or Chinese, depending on personal or traditional preferences. Ceremonies often involve reading sections of the sutra and performing rituals to pray for spirits.

3. The Prayer for the Land Deity

3.1. Content

The Prayer for the Land Deity, or the Kinh Cúng Thổ Công, is a specific prayer dedicated to venerating the Land Deity who oversees land and household affairs. This prayer is usually recited to honor and seek protection from the Land Deity for the family and ancestors.

The prayer typically includes requests for the Land Deity’s protection and blessings for the family. This ritual is often performed on significant days of the lunar calendar, including the Mid-July Lunar Festival.

3.2. Meaning

The Prayer for the Land Deity plays a crucial role in protecting the family and household. Reciting this prayer during the Mid-July Lunar Festival not only shows respect to the Land Deity but also prays for peace, prosperity, and happiness for the family. This prayer helps maintain a good relationship with deities and ancestors, ensuring the family’s well-being.

3.3. Practice

To perform the Prayer for the Land Deity, families usually organize a ceremony at the Land Deity’s altar. Offerings such as fruits, cakes, and candles are presented to honor the Land Deity. The prayer may be recited in Vietnamese or Chinese, depending on the family’s choice. During the ceremony, rituals are performed to pray for protection and good fortune.

4. The Prayer for All Souls

4.1. Content

The Prayer for All Souls is recited to pray for all spirits who do not have anyone to offer them help or have not yet been liberated. This prayer includes requests and rituals to assist wandering souls and those who have passed away without descendants or offerings.

The Prayer for All Souls is often recited during the Mid-July Lunar Festival to pray for neglected spirits and assist them. This prayer demonstrates compassion and concern for the deceased.

4.2. Meaning

The Prayer for All Souls reflects empathy and concern for neglected spirits. Reciting this prayer during the Mid-July Lunar Festival helps these spirits receive attention and assistance while praying for their peace and liberation. This practice is a way for families to show kindness and compassion for the deceased.

4.3. Practice

The Prayer for All Souls is typically recited during ceremonies at home or at temples. Offerings like fruits, cakes, and candles are presented to pray for the spirits. The prayer may be recited in Vietnamese or Pali, depending on family traditions.

5. The Ancestor Prayer

5.1. Content

The Ancestor Prayer is a special prayer dedicated to commemorating and offering respect to ancestors. This prayer often includes requests for blessings and protection for the family from their ancestors.

This prayer focuses on expressing filial piety and respect for one’s ancestors. It is commonly recited on significant occasions and during offerings to pray for the ancestors’ protection and family happiness.

5.2. Meaning

The Ancestor Prayer shows filial piety and respect for ancestors. Reciting this prayer during the Mid-July Lunar Festival helps families express gratitude and remembrance for their ancestors while seeking their blessings and protection. This practice helps maintain traditions and strengthen connections between generations.

5.3. Practice

Reciting the Ancestor Prayer is usually done at the ancestor’s altar in the home. Offerings such as fruits, cakes, and candles are presented to honor the ancestors. The prayer may be recited in Vietnamese or Chinese, depending on family traditions. Rituals are performed to pray for the family’s peace and happiness.

The prayers recited during the Mid-July Lunar Festival play a significant role in the rituals and spiritual practices of this period. They help families express their respect and concern for ancestors and spirits while seeking peace and liberation for the deceased. Reciting these prayers is an essential part of spiritual rituals, helping to uphold cultural values and traditions, and providing an opportunity for families to show compassion and gratitude towards ancestors and wandering souls. Each prayer has its unique significance and contributes to creating a meaningful and solemn Mid-July Lunar Festival.