The Ritual for the Seven-Week Memorial Ceremonies (49 Days)

When a loved one passes away, we think we are just doing something good for the deceased: chanting sutras, reciting Buddha's name, making offerings, dedicating merits... to help them soon be liberated.

When the last bell of the seventh week just rang, many people breathed a sigh of relief: "So we have completed the 49 days of offerings."; "So we have finished our work with our loved ones."

After 7 articles presenting the meaning and principles of mindfulness for 49 days, this 8th article would like to send to Buddhists a sample practice ritual, which can be printed out - posted in front of the altar - and chanted daily easily.

There are nights when relatives dream of the deceased returning: “I’m so cold, I can’t walk yet…”; “Why doesn’t anyone help me? I’m still here…”… Sometimes it’s a sad, gloomy image, or a vague, unclear face…

During the 49 days after a loved one passes away, many families choose to chant sutras - recite Buddha's name - and make merits and dedicate their merits.

During the 49-day period—when the consciousness of the deceased has not yet completed the karmic transition—what the living think, say, and do can have a profound impact on the journey of rebirth.

During the 49 days following the passing of a loved one, reciting sutras and chanting the Buddha’s name at home is one of the most effective and meaningful ways to support the consciousness (spirit) on its path to liberation.

During the 49 days—the intermediate period (bardo) of the deceased—family members can actively perform many wholesome deeds to support the consciousness of the departed on their journey toward a favorable rebirth.

Every time we bid farewell to a loved one, we often hear about the “49-day memorial offering.” But why is it 49 days, not 30 or 100? And during those 49 days, what truly holds meaning?