One of the sources of greatest anguish for those who lose a loved one is the belief that they have no way of benefitting the deceased. In the Buddhist view, life, death, and rebirth are part of a continuum. Here is a brief overview of practices that benefit beings after death. Through these practices, we benefit not only ourselves, but also the deceased beings on whose behalf we dedicate the merit. Besides these, prayers and meditations done with pure motivation and love will bring benefit, especially if we have strong personal connection to the deceased. Although the most effective time for such practices is during the forty-nine day period immediately following death, it is never too late to help someone who has died.
One excellent method is Akshobhya practice which can be sponsored through the Mahakaruna Foundation. You can also make sur offerings, offer butter lamps, or a tsok in the deceased's name, make charitable contributions on his or her behalf to humanitarian or spiritual causes, or perform a "saving of lives" practice in which you rescue animals that would otherwise die soon (such as buying and releasing worms or crickets from a bait shop).
The English version of the Red Tara practice contains the "Tara Meditation for the Dead," written by H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche. This brief but powerful meditation relies on the interdependence of Tara's enlightened intention to rescue beings, the blessings of the lama, the practitioner's love and compassion, and the dedication of merit to the deceased. More detailed instructions are available in the Red Tara Commentary by Chagdud Khadro. P'howa practice may be done on behalf of the deceased by practitioners with the appropriate empowerment and teachings.
At some Chagdud Gonpa Centers, practitioners perform a special ceremony for the dead during a meditation retreat called a drubchen. Participating in such a retreat can bring tremendous benefit. Those who cannot attend a drubchen can submit the names of deceased loved ones, along with an offering, and they will be included in the ceremony for the deceased. At Chagdud Gonpa, Rigdzin Ling, located in Northern California, this ceremony takes place annually during the Red Vajrasattva drubchen, held in late spring or early summer.
It is best to speak with a qualified lama about the spiritual care of a deceased loved one. If this is not possible, there are some books and video tapes that you may find helpful.
To sponsor butterlamps or a tsok, or to get more information about drubchen and other practices, contact: Chagdud Gonpa Foundation, PO Box 279, Junction City CA 96048; phone (530) 623-2714; email: chagdud@snowcrest.net.
