According to the story during the time Buddha was still alive, there was a young monk called Muc Kien Lien, he is one of the 10 great students of Buddha, who attained ‘enlightenment’ very early in life and had saved his mother from needless suffering after death.

 During his enlightenment, he decided to search for his mother who had recently died.  Apparently, when his mother died, she was compelled to pass through the 18 doors of dia nguc as a punishment for her wickedness. As each consecutive door became tougher and more terrifying to get through she grew to be plagued with overwhelming hunger.

  Muc Kien Lien was distressed over what he was seeing, so he thought up of a way to bring food to her.  His mother was so happy to receive the food but did not want to share it with others.  Unfortunately, the food soon turned into fire as she brought it to her mouth. Muc Kien Lien interceded to the Buddha to help him to provide his mother with food. The Buddha commanded him to host the “Vu Lan” ceremony to plead forgiveness for his mother’s sins.   With the combined effort of all the Buddhist monks they were able alleviate the suffering of the tormented.  During this time, Muc Kien Lien should also offer food and clothing to other hungry spirits and pray for their salvation as well. In obedience to the Buddha’s instruction, Muc Kien Lien obtained his mother’s pardon.   With great happiness from the outcome he had requested the approval from the Buddha to see if the same ceremony can be hosted once a year in the seventh lunar month festival for all deceased parents on this earth.

Therefore, Vu Lan Ceremony is a continuation of this tradition of seeking forgiveness for the sins of the deceased; so that they may be spared the tortures of Dia Nguc.  The Vu Lan Day is not only a mark of gratitude towards the deceased; it is also the day to remind all children to express their gratefulness and appreciations towards their parents by praying for the longevity of their parents current life to the past lives.   

Diệu Minh (Theo Vu Lan )