Question asked by Wong Loo Yang
Tashi Delek! I never really grew interest in Buddhist until late 2021 even though I was born into Buddhism. As of now im planning on to start offering packaged foods like some sweets, cracker, etc. So my question is what do I do when I'm done with the offering, what time is when the offering is complete, and how should it be offered? Next getting out of thr topic of offering, what practices would you recommend to children who are deeply intrested in Buddhism? Would Dharmapalas be okay? Like Dorje Shugden or Palden Lhamo. And by children I mean like ages 9-12.
Thank you for reading and responding!
Hello Wong Loo Yang,
Thank you for your questions. Below is some information that may help you:
1. In regards to food offerings, if they are packaged, they can be made during the day, and then cleared at night whenever is convenient. There is no hard and fast rule regarding the timing of making offerings. Alternatively, since they are packaged foods you can make the offering on the altar, and then clear them the next day (provided that the environment won’t make things go bad or there is no danger of pets getting to them and eating them, etc.). On this topic of food offerings, here is short article that you may be interested in: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/a-quick-note-on-food-offerings.html
2. In regards to practices for children, Manjushri or Lama Tsongkhapa is very good. Children who recite Manjushri’s mantra are blessed from a young age, so when they reach adulthood, they are more intelligent, emotionally mature and able to handle life situations very well. These two practices are very good for children and are were recommended all the time by His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche. In fact, we have a Children’s Buddhist Baptism ceremony here in Kechara based on the practice of Lama Tsongkhapa and Manjushri to bless children. They are highly effective.
I’ve taught children myself and have found that those who recite Manjushri’s mantra are more mature, confident and blessed and protected. So perhaps you can recommend that your children can recite the mantra. But please make sure not to force them to recite, as this can strain your relationships with them. Best to approach them gently, explain the benefits and teach them the mantra. Then you should slowly encourage them to chant. That is the best way to get children to recite prayers and mantras.
Here is an article all about Manjushri for your information: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/all-about-manjushri.html If you want to teach them a short prayer to Manjushri, then the Ganglongma prayer will be very good. It is included in the article.
I hope this helps. Thank you.