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There are several elements involved in
a blessing ceremony.
FIRST: the 'hardware.'
The main item is the Buddha image to which a white thread is tied
to or wrapped around. The thread is then looped three times around
a water vessel which sits in front of the senior monastic. The vessel
has a candle either pressed onto it or resting over the opening above
the water. The thread is then passed to the other members of the sangha
and, depending on the size of the group assembled, passed either around
the perimeter of the group or to each individual person. The end of
the ball of thread is then placed on the shrine, completing the circle.
SECOND: the 'software.'
Each of the various items has symbolic meaning:
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| The Buddha image |
is the foundation, the principle reference
point in all ceremonies. See IMAGES. |
| The thread |
sometimes has 8 strands to symbolise the
8-fold path. It is usually white to represent purity and the thread
itself symbolises unity, connection, harmony, peace and solidarity. |
The water-vessel
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the whole arrangement is seen as a microcosm
built of the four elements. The earth element in the solid
vessel and the wax of the candle; the water element in, umm,
in the yes, you guessed, in the water in the vessel; the air
element is shared by us all as we breathe and the fire element
appears when the candle is lit. |
| The water |
a symbol of life, purity and cleansing. |
| The thread 3x |
passing the thread around the water vessel
three times relates to the Three Refuges |
| Encircling |
the thread forms a tangible container
that includes all those present, drawing us together, connected to the
Buddha image (and all that it represents) as well as being joined to
the sangha, the three refuges and, by extension, the whole cosmos. |
 
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THIRD:
the action.
The candle is lit and the ceremony begins by a member of the Sangha
'inviting the devas.' This is a traditional chant which, while it has
literal meaning that can be contemplated, it is primarily intended to
draw in the listener and focus the mind of all present on 'goodness'.
The goodness of their own lives, the goodness of all those they are
connected with, both literally and symbolically (i.e. Buddha, Dhamma,
Sangha) and the goodness of the universe. The devas are the official
delgates of universal goodness but everything good is invited
into the circle.
With the scene thus set the Sangha chants a series of traditional verses
of protection and blessing. |
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FOURTH: the finale.
Toward the end of the chanting the candle will be extinguished in
the water. This water plays a very integral part of the ceremony in
that water is seen as being able to receive or absorb a great variety
of substances. In this instance it is seen as absorbing the goodness
of the situation and we make holy water by infusing it with goodness,
by permeating it with wholesomeness. At the end of the chanting the
thread is wound up. The water is then sprinkled liberally over the
assembly while the 'Verses of Victory' are chanted.
As well as being great fun this can also be very moving.
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JOKE:
How do you make holy water?
Boil the hell out of it.
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FIFTH: the grande finale.
The process described above can take 20-30 minutes or longer.
Once everyone has been sprinkled with holy water a section of the
thread is cut into shorter lengths and those who wish can have a piece
tied around their wrist. This acts as a reminder of the occassion
and connects the wearer with the group in a subtle way.
Buddhist jewelery -- of the sort that can't be bought.
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