Answer: According to the Nikaya scriptures, the Buddha taught that not believing in the existence of the spiritual realm (transmigration) is considered a wrong view. We do not need to wait until death to understand this truth. By calmly reflecting, we can realize that death is not the end but a transition from one state to another. Before death, people live in their physical bodies; after death, they continue to exist as invisible spirits. This transition is a natural process.

However, because these spirits are invisible, we tend to forget them, inadvertently disrespecting them. We have to understand them with wisdom rather than just our physical senses, much like understanding electronic machinery requires knowledge and intelligence beyond what the eyes can see. Nowadays, many cameras with high sensitivity have captured images of spirits in various places, which reinforces the belief in their presence.

We should understand them to have the appropriate respect and offer them food to help alleviate their hunger, as many wandering spirits suffer from hunger for a long time, similar to the impoverished people in this physical world. They can still benefit from the food we offer.

Additionally, we can recite sacred sutras and prayers for them as a spiritual gift to these beings.

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  1. […] Question 31: IS IT A WRONG VIEW NOT TO BELIEVE IN THE SPIRITS OF THE DECEASED? […]

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JANNA is the pen name of a certain monk who does not wish to use his real name. He is likely mature enough to understand that fame, wealth, and glory are as fleeting as morning mist.

In Pali, “JANNA” means purity, so it’s unclear which country he’s from. However, he seems to have studied the Nikaya scriptures.

Although he writes about Buddhism, he appears to desire unity with other religions to contribute to the cause of world peace. He attempts to demonstrate how differences can complement one another…