Why Do Those Who Recite the Name Still Pay Respects to Ancestors Every Year? | Master Jingben
【Q&A Series】
Why Do Those Who Recite the Name Still Pay Respects to Ancestors Every Year?
I once looked for answers on YouTube; it was said that doing so could help our departed ancestors accumulate merit, because they might not yet have been reborn. I am one who recites the Name, and I firmly believe that as long as we recite, we will certainly be reborn in the Pure Land of the Compassionate Father. But I still do not understand — why must we still observe these ceremonies every year? Is it simply to remember our departed loved ones? Whom exactly are we paying respects to? Kindly request Master’s guidance. With deep gratitude.
Master Jingben Answers: Namo Amitabha Buddha. This is a very good question. As one who recites the Name, to firmly believe that recitation will certainly bring us rebirth in Amitabha’s Pure Land — this is entirely correct. Then what is the meaning of Qing Ming Festival, Zhong Yuan Festival, and memorial days observed each year? Whom exactly are we paying respects to?
In truth, paying respects to ancestors is not merely about “delivering their spirits” — it is, more deeply, with reverence we remember those who came before. It is the expression and transmission of filial piety. Regardless of whether our ancestors have already been reborn or have attained rebirth in the Pure Land, our heart of gratitude toward their kindness remains unchanged.
And as those who recite the Name, the most important thing for us on these days is to recite the Name for our ancestors and dedicate the merit to them. No matter where our ancestors may now be, the recitation of the Name and the dedication of merit will never be in vain — it brings benefit in every case:
If our ancestors have already attained rebirth in the Pure Land — our recitation and dedication of merit is a prayer that their Dharma connections may grow ever stronger, so that they may deliver beings far and wide.
If our ancestors have already been reborn — our recitation and dedication of merit can nurture their roots of goodness and karmic blessings, so that in this very life they may more easily encounter the Dharma and give rise to the heart of reciting the Name.
If our ancestors have not yet been reborn — our recitation and dedication of merit directly benefits them, helping them to receive Amitabha Buddha’s compassionate deliverance.
So wherever our ancestors may be, the merit of a single “Namo Amitabha Buddha” is never wasted. Moreover, by “the vow to deliver all sentient beings without limit” — our ancestors and kin across countless lifetimes, beyond all measure — through reciting the Name and dedicating the merit, all may receive the compassionate light of Amitabha; all have the karmic connection to be delivered.
And most importantly of all, we ourselves must also recite the Name with a peaceful heart, and make the vow to be reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Once we attain rebirth in the Pure Land, we will then truly be able to deliver — far and wide — all of our ancestors and kin across countless lifetimes with whom we share karmic affinity. This is the most ultimate, the most complete way to repay our ancestors. Namo Amitabha Buddha.
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