The Response to Shi Ruyuan's Food Offering

Shi Ruyuan: Since Master taught me the method of offering food to beings in the netherworld, I have performed the food offering to beings in the yin realm punctually every morning and evening. In meditation, with a sincere heart of compassion, I recite the mantras and concentrate on visualizing the food pervading everywhere. During meditation, the mind is pure and undistracted, so the visualization effect is relatively good. I can clearly visualize the seven grains of rice I offer transforming into steaming white rice, filling the entire void, reaching every corner—wilderness, mountains, rivers, lakes, seas, in front and behind houses, along roadsides, and in the grass. Then, images of various beings from the netherworld, including the Garudas, appear in my mind, all partaking of the warm food.

One afternoon, I forgot to offer the rinse water. It wasn’t until after 8 p.m. that I remembered. I felt deeply unsettled, and scenes played in my mind like a movie, showing many beings from the netherworld—some with large bellies and slender necks, heads bowed low; some crawling on all fours; others leaning on canes, holding broken bowls or gourds—all waiting like beggars for the water offering. I quickly took the rinse water outside, recited the mantras, and made the offering. Afterward, those images vanished, and my heart felt at ease.

The next morning, I told a fellow practitioner about the previous night’s events. She also mentioned having a strong physical reaction the night before, feeling unbearably cold. I realized it was because I had forgotten to offer the water, and I felt deeply remorseful. I vowed never to forget to offer food and rinse water again. I am grateful to you, Master! You have taught this disciple compassion for all beings and the heart of self-benefit and benefiting others.