In Singapore, where a significant portion of the population practices Buddhism and Taoism, the rituals surrounding death extend far beyond the funeral. A critical aspect of these practices is the 49-day prayer ritual known as Zuo Qi (做七), which includes the ceremonies of An Ling (安灵) and Ji Ling (寄灵). These two rituals, though distinct in their settings and methods, share a common purpose: to help the soul of the deceased transition smoothly from this life to the next.
This article will explore in detail the meaning and purpose of An Ling and Ji Ling, as well as the key elements involved in these sacred practices.
The Purpose and Meaning of An Ling (安灵) and Ji Ling (寄灵)
The significance of An Ling (安灵) and Ji Ling (寄灵) lies in their connection to the spiritual beliefs in reincarnation and the afterlife, which are deeply embedded in both Buddhism and Taoism. According to these traditions, when an individual passes away, their soul enters an intermediate state between their previous life and their forthcoming reincarnation. This transitional phase can last up to 49 days, during which family members engage in prayer rituals to provide comfort and guidance to the soul as it awaits its next journey.
In both traditions, the soul is believed to require assistance to navigate the trials and uncertainties of this intermediate state. Through daily prayers and offerings, the family expresses their love, respect, and filial piety towards the deceased. These rituals not only aid the soul but also demonstrate the family’s ongoing responsibility to care for their loved ones, even after death. This duty is a reflection of xiao (孝), or filial piety, a core value in Confucianism that heavily influences Chinese spiritual and cultural practices.
While the overarching 49-day ritual is commonly referred to as Zuo Qi (做七), it is the specific roles of An Ling and Ji Ling that structure this period of mourning. An Ling is conducted at home, where family members perform daily rites, while Ji Ling takes place in a temple or monastery, where monks or priests carry out the necessary rituals on behalf of the family.
An Ling (安灵): Settling the Soul at Home
An Ling (安灵), which can be translated as “settling the soul,” is a ritual that takes place in the home of the deceased’s family. It involves the careful placement of a spirit tablet (神主牌) representing the deceased, which becomes the focal point for the prayers and offerings made throughout the 49-day period.
Steps for An Ling (安灵) Ceremony at Home
The An Ling ceremony, performed at home, involves setting up an altar where offerings are made to the deceased daily for 49 days. This is a display of filial piety and devotion, aimed at ensuring that the soul of the deceased transitions peacefully into the afterlife. The following items are essential for conducting the An Ling ceremony:
- Ancestral Tablet (神主牌 / 祖先牌): This tablet is a representation of the soul of the deceased and is the central focus of the ceremony. It is placed on a dedicated altar to signify the presence of the deceased’s spirit in the household.
- Photograph of the Deceased: The picture serves as a physical reminder of the departed and is placed next to the ancestral tablet on the altar.
- Joss Pot and Joss Sticks: Incense is burned in the joss pot daily as a way to honor and communicate with the deceased. The smoke from the incense is believed to carry prayers and offerings to the spirit world.
- Food and Refreshments: You can place the deceased’s favourite foods on the altar, including items such as rice, fruits, meats, and traditional dishes that reflect their preferences during their lifetime. These meals, along with tea, water, and sometimes wine, are refreshed daily, symbolising your ongoing care for the departed. The intention is to ensure the soul is well-nourished in the afterlife, continuing the hospitality they would have experienced in life.
- Dedicated Table for the Altar: The items above are carefully arranged on a table that serves as a sacred space for the family to honor the deceased.
Daily Offerings and Key Ritual Days
Throughout the 49 days, offerings of food, drinks, and incense are made daily. However, there are specific days that hold particular significance, during which more elaborate prayers are performed:
- 7th Day (头七): On this day, it is believed that the spirit of the deceased returns home. The family prepares the house by keeping it illuminated, guiding the spirit back home for one last visit. Prayers are recited to help the spirit realize it has passed and to encourage it to move peacefully into the afterlife.
- 21st Day (三七), 35th Day (五七): These days mark the continued progression of the soul’s journey, and prayers are recited to offer further assistance to the spirit as it navigates the afterlife.
- 49th Day (“七七” or 圆七): The final day marks the departure of the spirit from the earthly realm. The family gathers for a final set of prayers to ensure the soul’s safe transition to its next life or the ancestral realm. Offerings of symbolic paper money are often burned on this day to provide for the deceased in the afterlife.
Ji Ling (寄灵): Lodging the Soul in a Sacred Space
While An Ling is conducted at home, the Ji Ling ceremony involves placing the ancestral tablet in a temple, monastery, or columbarium. This is an alternative option for families who may not be able to perform the daily rituals at home or who prefer to have the soul cared for in a more sacred environment.
- Temporary Placement of the Spirit Tablet: The tablet and photograph of the deceased are placed in a designated area within the temple or columbarium. This is seen as lodging the soul temporarily while it awaits the completion of its journey through the 49-day period.
- Offerings and Prayers Conducted by Monks or Priests: In a Ji Ling ceremony, monks or priests take responsibility for performing the daily prayers and making the necessary offerings. These rituals are performed on behalf of the family, ensuring that the deceased’s soul is well-tended to throughout the mourning period.
Special Considerations for Taoist Practices
While the core structure of these ceremonies remains the same across different religious sects, Taoist families may observe slightly different dates and practices, depending on their dialect group and local customs. For instance, some Taoist families may choose to perform specific rites on different days or emphasize different aspects of the ritual, such as invoking the protection of deities to guide the soul through the spiritual realms.
The Role of Funeral Services in An Ling and Ji Ling
Given the complexity of these rituals, many families in Singapore turn to funeral service providers for assistance in organizing An Ling (安灵) and Ji Ling (寄灵) rituals. These services help families calculate the correct prayer dates, arrange for monks or priests to perform the necessary rites, and ensure that no aspect of the 49-day ritual is overlooked.
Contact us via WhatsApp here, and let us support you in honoring your loved ones with the respect and care they deserve.
Conclusion
The 49-day prayer ritual, which includes An Ling (安灵) and Ji Ling (寄灵), is a deeply meaningful process in Buddhist and Taoist funeral practices. By providing comfort and guidance to the deceased’s soul, these rituals help ensure a smooth transition into the afterlife or toward reincarnation. Through their devotion, families not only honor the deceased but also uphold the values of filial piety and respect that are so integral to Chinese culture. For families navigating this complex process, the support of experienced funeral service providers can be invaluable in ensuring that the proper rites are observed and that the soul of the deceased is cared for in both this world and the next.
