New-moon & Full-moon Prayer to Ancestors
Văn khấn mùng 1 & rằm — Gia tiên
Bàn thờ gia tiên
About this text
The new-moon and full-moon ancestor prayer is a traditional ritual to honor and remember one's ancestors, seeking their blessings and protection for the family. This prayer is usually recited at home, in front of the ancestral altar, on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month.
Preparation & offerings
Prepare incense, fresh flowers, clean water, betel and areca, wine, fruits, sweets, and vegetarian or savory dishes as appropriate. The worshipper should dress respectfully and offer with sincerity.
Bracketed parts are for you to fill in (name, address, lunar date, wish). The mobile app fills them in automatically.
Text
- 1
Homage to Amitabha Buddha! (3 times)
- 2
I bow to the Nine Directions of Heaven, the Buddhas of the Ten Directions, all Buddhas everywhere.
- 3
I respectfully bow to the Heavenly Emperor, the Earth Mother, and all honored deities.
- 4
I respectfully bow to the ancestors, both paternal and maternal, and all departed spirits of the family.
- 5
I, the worshipper, am [your full name], residing at [your address].
- 6
Today is [lunar date].
- 7
With sincere heart, I prepare incense, flowers, and offerings to present before the altar.
- 8
I respectfully invite all ancestors, both paternal and maternal, and all spirits to come and receive these offerings.
- 9
May the ancestors have compassion for their descendants, descend to witness our sincerity.
- 10
Please bless and protect the whole family with peace, health, and smooth affairs.
- 11
May our household be safe and prosperous, children and grandchildren be filial and progress in their studies.
- 12
May our work go smoothly, wealth increase, and all wishes be fulfilled.
- 13
If there is anything lacking, I sincerely ask the ancestors for forgiveness.
- 14
I respectfully ask the ancestors to bless and protect our family with lasting peace and happiness.
- 15
I and my whole family humbly seek your shelter and guidance in all our paths.
- 16
We respectfully offer these gifts, hoping the ancestors will witness our devotion.
- 17
I bow in gratitude, vowing to do good and uphold the family traditions.
- 18
I sincerely hope the sacred ancestors will bless and protect us.
- 19
We respectfully bow and ask for your witness.
- 20
Homage to Amitabha Buddha! (3 times)
Source & license
Văn khấn cổ truyền Việt Nam (truyền thống dân gian), biên tập lại theo cấu trúc chuẩn bởi Vietnam Pagodas
License: Văn bản truyền thống công hữu · Bản biên tập: CC BY-SA 4.0 (Vietnam Pagodas)
Large print, saved reading position and auto-filled prayers in the Vietnam Pagodas app.