Spirits in Buddhism?

 Spirits in Buddhism?

   Buddhism knows of the existence of a spirit world, where both visible and hidden beings reside. To see the invisible beings one requires a certain talent or a special sense. One cannot deny their existence merely because they cannot perceive them. These beings are also held to the laws of reincarnation. They will not stay spirits forever.

  These spirits can be either good or evil. What does one use to protect yourself from evil spirits?  The consensus is to form a wall of goodness against evil spirits' influence. They cannot get to you unless you allow them in.

  Concerning transference of deeds

  Good deeds are kept with you. They are accounted to the doer of the good deeds. These can be sent by a wish towards someone else, be it in this life or the next. To credit those who are your dearly departed with such meritorious deeds is a great tribute. In fact, doing an 'act of merit' in the name of your departed is the highest honor.

 Transferring deeds is based off of a popular belief where ones deeds and and misdeeds are weighed against one another. They go to a higher existence of joy, or a deep pit of sorrow.  Those who are born into a lowly form of existence can be freed from their suffering by deeds transferred to them from friends and family.

  In Buddhism the seventh month is believed to be a time in which ghosts come out of the lower realms to greet humans. Traditional ceremonies in the form of a festival are performed to help release spirits from suffering so that they might be able to rest in peace.  It is believed that when a Buddhist participates in the festivities his ancestors will come and visit the person. Offerings should be prepared for their ancestors for the long trip to the afterlife.

One must understand that meritorious deeds done in memory of the departed is always right. Do not forget those close to you, even if they are gone. Honoring the departed is one of the most  honorable things you can do. Don't forget your departed.

  Regarding spirits

 A spirit world exists all around us. Many religions have different answers to what they are and their intentions. Today we have discussed a few minor details about their nature as well as protection from evil spirits. We have also told of the festivals Buddhists participate to honor the departed. Yet we have not discussed the nature of these spirits or ghosts.

 Spirits, or the departed are still alive, not dead. Only their body is dead. They are in a state of limbo, waiting for the next life. This is just one form of existence in the constant circle of death and rebirth. We should understand this will eventually happen to all of us. Do not fear, just keep up the good deeds, and keep honoring the departed. We all feel suffering caused by this broken world, be it that we are living in a body or in spirit form.