What to bring to a Buddhist Cermony

jimi_t2

There's a butterlamp ceremony on in Dublin for a deceased friend; whats traditional/appropriate to bring?

bou

Here's a random stream of thoughts that come to mind.
Generally, undertaking positive actions and dedicating them towards the person are recommended. Whatever your particular spiritual background, you could do prayers or practice on their behalf. Undertake positive/generous actions like making donations to good causes and the activities of spiritual practitioners.
You can sponsor some butter lamps if the organisers can accept donations for that. You can sponsor prayers or paractices by practitioners or monks on their behalf. You can bring your own tea-lights, incense, flowers.
Bring positivity and compassion for all beings in your mind. Think virtuous thoughts. Generate a peaceful, meditative state of mind. Recite mantras such as that of Amitabha: Om Ami Dewa Hri or Avaloketishvara: Om Mani Peme Hung Hri. Visualise a being of infinte wisdom and compassion in the form of Amitabha or Avaloketishvara or whoever is a meaningful representation for you. Consider that the person's enlightened mind is united inseperably with that being.
Let go of any negative thoughts for the person and wish them perfect happiness. Wish that they may reach enlightenment quickly and bring great infinite benefit to an infinite number of beings.

bou

oh, and dedicate everything you do and everyone else does for the ultimate happiness and enlightenment of all beings, completely letting go of any idea of ownership of the deeds and considering that you, your actions and those for whom you dedicate are like an interdependent and magical display of the enlightened mind of all beings (or something like that).

Gyalsto

Wash up dress up and turn up, and enjoy. Wish for the enlightenment of all sentient beings