Quote from Buddha Buddhist Korean Traditional Temple Seomisa on 08/11/2025, 5:39 am

Baekjung Cheondoje is a major annual Buddhist memorial ceremony in Korean culture, dedicated to honoring and helping departed ancestors and loved ones. It is deeply rooted in both Buddhist spirituality and the Korean tradition of filial piety, and includes unique customs reflecting centuries of history and cultural values.

Cultural and Buddhist Background

• In Korea, respect for ancestors and the belief in the interconnectedness between the living and the dead are strong. The Baekjung ceremony, also called "All Souls’ Day," takes place on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month. This day is traditionally believed to be when the "gates of the underworld" open, making it the most effective time to pray for departed souls and help them find peace.

• The ceremony is inspired by a Buddhist legend: Maudgalyayana, a disciple of the Buddha, rescued his mother from suffering in hell by making offerings and prayers. Since then, it has become a tradition for families to honor their forebears with ritual prayers, offerings, and merit-making practices on Baekjung.

• The Cheondoje element refers to a "deliverance ritual," where Buddhist monks perform chanting, make offerings (such as paper clothes, food, and lanterns), and lead prayers dedicated to guiding deceased spirits toward a favorable rebirth or spiritual liberation.

• The service blends Buddhist beliefs in karma and rebirth with Korean ideas of respect and gratitude for ancestors, aiming to help the deceased overcome suffering and achieve release from the cycle of reincarnation.wikipedia

Ceremonial Structure

• The ceremony often includes:

  • Preparation of offerings such as symbolic paper clothes, food, and flowers, believed to benefit the spirits.

  • Written prayers for specific deceased individuals, which are chanted or presented on the altar.

  • Lighting of prayer lanterns as a symbol of enlightenment and hope for the spirits.

  • Ritual dances and religious chants performed by monks to purify the space and protect participants.

  • Burning of written prayers and offerings to symbolize the removal of karmic burdens.

• The entire process reflects caring for ancestors, thanks for their lives, and hope for their peaceful rebirth.

2025 Baekjung Cheondoje and Prayer Ceremony Announcement

With deep reverence, I take refuge in the Three Jewels.

On the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, it is believed that the gates of the underworld open. This day is recognized as an auspicious time to pray for the serene rebirth of ancestors, parents, siblings, relatives, and all departed souls. Seomisa Temple will conduct the Baekjung Ancestor Prayer and Deliverance Ceremony as follows, and all are invited to take part in these compassionate observances.

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Event Details

Item	Description
Start	Sunday, August 31, 2025, 11:00 AM
Closing	Saturday, September 6, 2025, 11:00 AM
Daily Prayer Times	5:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 7:00 PM
Prayer/Offering Fee	$50 (per dedication)
Individual Ancestral Prayer	$50 (per name/tablet for the deceased)
Location	Seomisa Buddhist Temple, 215 E 72nd ST, Tacoma, WA 98404
Email	seurea99@gmail.com

 

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Everyone—regardless of background—is welcome to join this meaningful opportunity for remembrance, gratitude, and spiritual compassion. For further details or to submit names for memorial prayers, please contact the temple office.

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This announcement is designed to be fully accessible for those unfamiliar with Korean or Buddhist traditions, offering both context and practical event information in clear English.

 

삼보에 귀의하옵고,

음력 7월15일은 예로부터 지옥문이 열리는 날이라 하여 선망 조상부모형제와 일가친척의 극락왕생을 발원하는 날입니다.

이에 서미사에서는 아래와 같이 백중기도와 천도제를 봉행하오니 동참하시길 발원합니다

 

                     -아 래-

입제: 2025년 8월31일 일요일 오전 11시

회향: 2025년 9월6일 토요일 오전 11시

기도시간: 아침 5시, 사시 10시, 저녁 7시

축원비:$50

영가 1위: $50

 

대한불교조계종 서미사

215 E 72nd ST TACOMA WA 98404

Email: seurea99@gmail.com