Uranbunjae (Kor. 우란분재, Chin. 盂蘭盆齋, lit. Ullambana purification) is a Buddhist ceremony in which food offerings are made in an effort to console and liberate the deceased from any suffering, especially those of one’s ancestors. The ceremony originates from the story of the disciple Mahāmaudgalyāyana who strives unsuccessfully to liberate his deceased mother from a lower realm of existance. The Buddha teaches, liberation is only be possible through the collective intention of the sangha at large. In this yearly ceremony we commemorate the Ullambana Sutra by making offerings and generating goodwill and liberative intentions for all.

In Korea the ceremony is held on the Buddhist All Soul’s Day, or Baekjung (Kor. 백중, Chin. 百中, the fifteenth of the seventh lunar month), and constitutes one of the important events of the day in order to console the souls of the dead. At White Lotus Haven Zen of Connecticut we hold this ceremony in the month of October.

Participants are invited to offer the names of their departed to be displayed and recited in the liturgy. If you would like your dearly departed to be acknowledged in the service please email info@wlhz.org for more information and instruction, or include the names of your departed with your registration in the “message” section of the contact form. A symbolic name plate burning rite, to eliminate unwholesome karmic conditions, will also be performed. A socially-distanced outdoor reception will be held after the service.

This year we will hold the event at Trinita Retreat Center in New Hartford, CT. Suggested offering $100.

PLEASE REGISTER FOR THE EVENT HERE https://wlhz.org/contact/

CEREMONIAL DONATIONS HERE https://wlhz.org/donate/