Guangzhou, a city steeped in history, is home to many Buddhist temples that serve as spiritual sanctuaries for locals and visitors alike. With a rich blend of cultural traditions, the city’s Buddhist practices encompass not only religious rituals but also deeply rooted customs that highlight the reverence for ancestors. One such practice is the ceremony of ancestral prayers and memorials, or “Cầu Siêu” (超度) in Vietnamese, which is a common ritual in Buddhist temples across Guangzhou. These ceremonies, aimed at aiding the souls of the deceased and helping them find peace, play a crucial role in the spiritual life of the people.

In this article, we explore the significance of the Cầu Siêu ceremony within the context of Guangzhou’s Buddhist temples. We will examine its historical background, the rituals involved, the role of the monks and laypeople in conducting these ceremonies, and the cultural importance of ancestral veneration in the spiritual practices of Guangzhou’s residents. The “Cầu Siêu” ceremony, often held in conjunction with traditional festivals and family observances, is a crucial expression of the continuity of life and the reverence for the ancestors who have shaped the present.

Historical and Cultural Background of Cầu Siêu Ceremonies

The practice of conducting memorial prayers for the deceased is an integral part of Buddhist tradition, especially in Chinese Buddhism. The idea of helping the spirits of the deceased reach peace or liberation can be traced back to the very roots of Buddhist doctrine, which teaches that the cycle of rebirth (samsara) can be influenced through spiritual rituals.

In Guangzhou, the Cầu Siêu ceremony has become deeply intertwined with both Buddhist and local Chinese customs. While the ceremony is not exclusive to any one region in China, Guangzhou has seen a distinct evolution of these practices. The city’s Buddhist temples, such as the Guangxiao Temple, Hua Ta Temple, and Six Banyan Temple (Liurong Temple), serve as spiritual centers where memorial services are regularly held for the benefit of deceased loved ones.

In Chinese culture, honoring ancestors and offering prayers for them is a way of maintaining a connection with the past. The Cầu Siêu ritual reflects the belief that those who have passed away need spiritual assistance to attain peace, avoid suffering in the afterlife, and ultimately be reborn into better circumstances.

The Purpose of Cầu Siêu: Helping the Departed Find Peace

The core purpose of the Cầu Siêu ceremony is to help the souls of the departed find peace and relieve them from suffering. According to Buddhist beliefs, the soul’s journey after death can be filled with uncertainties, depending on the individual’s past karma. It is thought that through ritual prayers, chants, and offerings, the deceased can be guided towards a favorable rebirth or liberation from the cycle of samsara.

The concept of samsara, the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, is central to the Cầu Siêu ceremony. Buddhist monks, through the power of the sutras and prayers, are believed to invoke spiritual forces to help guide the deceased’s soul towards enlightenment or a better rebirth, thus breaking the cycle of suffering.

For the people of Guangzhou, the Cầu Siêu ceremony is an essential form of spiritual care for their deceased family members. It is considered not only an act of filial piety but also a deeply spiritual practice. This ritual reflects the respect and devotion the living owe to their ancestors, ensuring that their spirits are cared for and their journey into the afterlife is a peaceful one.

Rituals and Practices Involved in Cầu Siêu Ceremonies

The Cầu Siêu ceremony is typically conducted in a temple setting, led by a group of Buddhist monks or priests, who perform the sacred rituals on behalf of the family. The ceremony is often held on specific dates, such as during the Qingming Festival (the Tomb-Sweeping Festival) or Ghost Month, as well as on the anniversary of a loved one’s death.

1. Preliminary Preparations and Offerings

Before the ceremony begins, a series of preparations take place. Families may bring photographs, incense, candles, and offerings such as fruits, flowers, tea, and rice cakes to place on the altar. These offerings are made as a sign of respect and to nourish the spirits of the deceased.

The altar is set up with Buddhist icons, such as statues of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas, and sometimes the spirit tablet (a plaque bearing the name of the deceased). The spirit tablet is central to the ritual and serves as a focal point for the prayers and chants performed during the ceremony. It symbolizes the connection between the living and the deceased, linking their souls through the invocation of Buddhist deities.

2. Recitation of Sutras and Mantras

The most important part of the Cầu Siêu ceremony is the recitation of sacred Buddhist sutras and mantras by the monks. These texts are carefully selected to help guide the soul of the deceased toward peace. One of the most commonly recited texts during the Cầu Siêu ceremony is the Sutra of Amitabha (Amitabha Sutra), which is believed to assist those who wish to be reborn in the Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha, a realm free from suffering and sorrow.

The monks chant the sutras in a rhythmic, melodic manner, and the sound of the chanting is believed to have a profound effect on the spiritual realm, calling on benevolent spirits and helping the soul of the deceased. Chanting creates a harmonious environment that soothes the minds of the living and aids the departed in their journey.

During the ceremony, the mantras are often repeated multiple times, creating an atmosphere of reverence and focus. The continuous chanting is believed to accumulate merit for the deceased, allowing them to receive spiritual assistance.

3. Incense Offering and Prayers for Liberation

In addition to the recitation of scriptures, incense is offered as part of the ritual. The burning of incense in Buddhist ceremonies symbolizes the purification of negative energies and the invocation of spiritual presence. In the Cầu Siêu ceremony, incense is used to guide the soul toward peace by dispelling any lingering suffering or confusion from the departed.

The monks will also offer specific prayers for liberation, calling for the deceased’s soul to be freed from the hell realms and reborn in a more favorable state. The monks pray for the soul to experience tranquility, protection from evil spirits, and the eventual attainment of nirvana (the ultimate liberation from samsara).

4. Rituals for the Living

While the primary focus of the Cầu Siêu ceremony is the departed, the living also partake in the ritual. It is believed that participating in the ceremony brings blessings and spiritual benefits to the living members of the family. The act of offering prayers and good wishes for the deceased creates a ripple effect that brings peace, healing, and harmony to the living.

Family members of the deceased may also make offerings to the monks in gratitude for their service. These offerings can include monetary donations or contributions to the temple, a practice that is believed to accumulate merit for both the departed and the living.

The Cultural Significance of Cầu Siêu in Guangzhou

In Guangzhou, the Cầu Siêu ceremony holds deep cultural significance. The act of honoring ancestors is a cherished custom in Chinese society, rooted in the belief that one’s family lineage should be respected and maintained. The Buddhist framework of the Cầu Siêu ceremony offers a formal structure for this act of filial piety, aligning traditional Chinese values with Buddhist practices.

The Cầu Siêu ceremony also reflects the intergenerational connection between the living and the deceased. In Guangzhou’s bustling urban landscape, where modernization often distances people from their ancestors, the ritual serves as a reminder of the continuity of life and the importance of honoring one’s roots. It is not merely a religious duty but a cultural expression of respect, love, and connection to the past.

Moreover, the ceremony is an opportunity for community bonding. Temples in Guangzhou often host public Cầu Siêu ceremonies, where individuals from various backgrounds gather to pray for their loved ones. This collective participation fosters a sense of spiritual unity and reinforces the shared values of compassion, respect, and familial devotion.

Conclusion: The Timeless Power of Cầu Siêu Ceremonies

In Guangzhou, the Cầu Siêu ceremony remains a vital spiritual practice that connects the past and the present. The ritual provides comfort to the living and peace for the deceased, helping them transcend the challenges of the afterlife. As an expression of ancestral reverence, it symbolizes the enduring bond between generations and the Buddhist commitment to compassion and liberation. Through these sacred ceremonies, the people of Guangzhou continue to honor their ancestors while seeking peace and spiritual growth in their own lives.