The Flames of Beliefs
You may call them joss papers, ghost money, or spirit paper. They all refer to the same thing. Chinese paper offering is a custom to most Chinese, and are often burned at funerals, on ancestors' memorial days, and during Chinese festivals and lunar days like the Qing Ming, 7th lunar month, and Lunar New Year, where food and joss paper are presented to deities or ancestors to honour and pray for blessings.
Burning joss paper and objects are believed as acts of sending “money” and “material wealth” to deceased relatives, and it is a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. This is practised to cultivate kinship values like filial piety, and the opportunity to remember and pay respects to ancestors. It is also believed that doing this can appease the dead, benefit rebirth, and clear spiritual debts among other purposes.
Paper offerings are usually made from coarse bamboo paper or rice and are decorated in different ways. The traditional joss paper (for ancestor worship) is usually decorated using a square of gold or silver foil to represent money (also known as hell money or heaven money). Joss paper may be burned as is, folded in half, into ingot-like shapes, or stacked into elaborate pagodas or lotuses. People may write the names of the departed ones on the back of the offering.
Paper objects, sometimes bearing a high-end brand name or material wealth such as clothing, jewellery, mobile phones, cars (including a chauffeur), lavish houses, furniture, appliances, liquors, cosmetics, passports and credit cards can be found as well. These are burned with the belief that ancestors will be given all the luxuries that were eluded in life.
Usually, this burning is done in designated burners or purpose-built pits in our housing estates. Town Councils have introduced modified burners that can reduce emissions of smoke and fly ash in their estates. Most temples have large furnaces outside that are used for the burning joss paper ritual.
In 2014, Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery (KMSPKS) installed an eco-burner with an environmentally friendly ash filtration system aimed at reducing the amount of ash produced from joss-paper burning.
Given the belief that this practice is folklore or superstition, Buddhists believe that it is not possible to alleviate the suffering of the dead by burning joss paper and things used by departed ones, on the belief that they would “receive” them. Therefore, the observance of Qing Ming and Ullambana would be meaningful to Buddhists, if they perform meritorious actions and then transfer merits to their ancestors and departed relatives out of compassion and filial piety.
Shrine offerings like lighted candles, burning incense, flowers, fruits and water to the Buddha and other Bodhisattvas are often practised by Buddhists. These offerings express one’s appreciation and veneration as well as a reminder of various values like wisdom, purity and virtue.
As society becomes more environmentally conscious, the practice of burning joss paper has caused some controversy in today’s society. Though the older generation is more used to the culture of incense burning and joss-paper burning, over the years, the custom of burning joss paper has started to decline. The younger generation thinks that the deceased would have no interest in worldly items, and besides, burning offerings harms the environment, and exposure to air pollution from burning poses severe health threats that can cause illnesses like respiratory problems, eye allergies, sneezing, and headaches.
In recent years, some Buddhist and Taoist institutions have issued new guidelines on the burning of offerings in line with environmental considerations.
Since 2004, KMSPKS have been actively encouraging their devotees to go green through public education on the benefits of burning less joss paper. The monastery has also banned the burning of large paper box offerings since 2017.
In July 2022, supported by the Municipal Services Office, a new Alliance for Action on Norms (AfA) on Joss Paper Burning was set up to focus on getting people to be socially responsible when burning offerings.
AfA is helmed by more than ten Chinese religious, cultural and industry associations, including Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations, The Singapore Buddhist Federation, Taoist Federation Singapore, and Singapore Religious Goods Merchants Association.
Religious customs aside, there are also good reasons to burn less, namely, being considerate to one’s neighbours and keeping the environment clean. This includes burning joss papers in designated burners, not littering, or scattering them on the ground, burning in small quantities at a time to ensure complete combustion and to reduce smoke and ashes; ensuring that all smouldering embers are completely extinguished after the ritual from public areas after prayers, and removing food offerings, candles, and joss sticks and to prevent pest infestation and fires.
Devotion does not encourage extravagance, waste, and harming the environment. From a Buddhist perspective, a pure mindset, sincerity, compassion, and displaying filial piety and gratitude towards ancestors are more important than the burning of paper offerings to the dead.
信仰的火焰
有些人称它为金银纸、冥币、或往生纸，但它其实意指同一个物品 —— 纸钱。在华人文化当中，焚烧纸钱是先人流传下来的民俗祭礼仪式，我们不难在葬礼、祖先祭祀、华人传统节日如农历新年、农历七月或清明节等节日中看见纸钱的踪迹。在这些节日中焚烧纸钱给神祇、冥界或先人，有着尊敬与祈福的寓意。
这一特殊的华人文化习俗被一代一代的相传至今。焚烧纸钱或纸扎品对于人们来说就像是把钱及物品“邮寄”给往生的亲人一样。这一形式意在培养人们对孝亲价值的重视，也同时缅怀先人对我们的付出。此外，人们也相信焚烧纸钱可安抚亡魂、有助转世投胎又或是化解冤亲债主等其他用途。
纸钱一般上由粗糙的竹纸或大米所制成，造型各有不同。传统纸钱（祭祖用途）以正方形为主，中间以正方形的金箔与银箔为点缀，其代表了金钱或银钱（用于神祇或冥界）。在燃烧纸钱时人们会将其对折成锭状或折叠组装为宝塔或莲花的造型，并在纸上写下“签收人”的姓名。
现代人对纸扎品的创意更是超乎想象，高端品牌与奢华物品通通都能以纸扎形式呈现。好比名牌服饰、珠宝、智能手机、豪车（搭配司机）、豪宅、家具、电器、饮品、化妆品、护照甚至信用卡等均可在纸扎铺购买到。许多人相信焚烧纸扎品后，亲人或神明能在另一个世界“签收”并使用，以体验在世时无法拥有的奢华与享受。
一般上，人们会在住宅区内指定的焚烧桶燃烧纸扎品或纸钱。近年来市议会也引入了新型焚烧桶，以此减少烟雾和纸灰对住宅区附近居民的影响。此外，大部分的寺庙也拥有巨型焚烧炉，开放让公众使用。
自2014年起，光明山普觉禅寺启用了新型环保焚烧炉，以往清明期间烟灰漫天的情景已不复见。其中的烟灰过滤系统大量减少了浓烟和烟灰的产生，有效改善了寺庙附近的空气质量。
不论这是种迷信或单纯的民间习俗，佛教徒相信焚烧纸钱并不能让已逝的亲人减少痛苦，也相信这些纸扎品不会通过仪式送达另一个世界供先人使用。对于佛教徒而言，清明节或盂兰盆节意义非凡。有别于焚烧纸扎品，佛教徒会通过行善积德回向先人，以此表示慈悲心与孝心。
此外，佛教徒也会燃灯供佛或以鲜花、水果、净水供奉三宝，以表虔诚之心。虔诚供奉不仅象征着对智慧光明的尊敬，也望能自觉、觉他、觉满。
随着环保意识的抬头，焚烧纸钱也引起了社会环境问题的巨大争议。虽然大部分的长辈对焚烧纸钱的习俗影响颇深，但这项祭礼仪式也随着时间的推移慢慢没落。新一代年轻人认为已逝先人不会留恋于尘世或凡间的物品，而焚烧纸扎品也对环境构成了巨大的威胁。焚烧所造成的空气污染不仅会影响人类的呼吸系统，更有可能引发眼鼻疾病，或头疼等问题。
近年来，一些道教与佛教组织考量了环境因素，为焚烧祭品的习俗列出明确指南。自2004年起，光明山普觉禅寺积极鼓励信众提升环保意识，以此宣导绿化环境的重要性。寺院也从2017年起明文禁止大型纸扎品的焚烧，为保护环境做出贡献。
自2022年7月起，由新加坡社区事务署（Municipal Services Office）支持，焚烧冥纸规范⾏动联盟（Action on Norms）正式成立。该联盟致力于规范化焚烧纸钱，并计划将此规范通过公众教育运动传达给大众。
⾏动联盟同华社、包括宗教团体、庙宇领袖、和殡葬业者等，共同商议，拟定⼀套焚烧冥纸的社会规范。组织成员包括了新加坡佛教总会，新加坡宗乡会馆和总会，新加坡道教总会，以及新加坡神料同业商会等。
撇开宗教与文化习俗而言，减少焚烧确实对环境与邻里有百利而无一害。倘若需要焚烧纸钱，切记于指定的焚烧桶处理，勿将冥纸冥币挥撒于公共场地，每次将少量的冥纸放进焚化炉里以减少烟灰。此外，祭祀后请确保冥纸燃尽，清理干净香烛祭品，以保持环境清洁卫生。
对于神明或先人的虔诚之心，并不需要以奢侈的纸扎品或破坏环境的方式体现。从佛教徒的角度发想，以最真挚的态度向一切共情众生发慈悲心，将对先人孝心或感恩之情铭记于心，比起焚烧纸钱更能让追思祭祖彰显意义。
|
|
|
|
Qing Ming Prayer Service 清明超度法会
Qing Ming is a traditional festival for the Chinese to remember and honour their ancestors by visiting their columbarium, graves or burial grounds.
As Buddhists, we can spend Qing Ming Festival recollecting the kindness of our forefathers and honouring them by remembering how they had lived a worthy life. In addition, we can also emulate the qualities of the noble ones who have come before us by observing their teachings.
清明节是华人传统节日之一，是孝敬和追思先人的季节。在这期间，后辈会到骨灰安置处或坟墓祭祀。
作为佛教徒，除了扫墓及祭祖追思以外，应遵循祖先的教诲，铭记他们的恩德，并将一切善行，布施等功德回向至历代宗亲、六亲眷属，愿他们早日脱离六道轮回、善业成熟、离苦得乐。这才是实践孝道最具体的表现。
Qing Ming – The Dedication of Merits to The Departed Puja 清明超度法会
Date 日期：5 Apr 2023 (Wed)
Time 时间：8.20am
Venue 地点：Hall of No Form | 无相殿
Registration Categories 超荐牌位登记类别：
Registration 报名登记：
Enquiry 询问：6849 5333
More information 更多详情
|
|
|
Lunar 27th Puja Light Offering
供灯 (Online 上线)
17.4.23
Make a light offering to the Triple Gem for the upcoming Great Compassion Repentance Puja and dedicate wholesome merits to your loved ones.
|
|
|
2023 Buddhism Lecture Series
31.5.23 - 2.8.23
Register for the 2023 Buddhism Lecture Series (conducted in English) today and learn how to apply Buddha’s teachings in your daily life.
|
|
2023普觉中文佛法经典学习系列
13.2.23 - 21.11.23, 7.30pm - 9pm
2023普觉中文佛法经典学习系列以深入浅出的教学方式为学生奠定佛学基础。
|
|
|
《成佛之道》— 第一章至第四章
17.3.23 - 14.7.23, 7.30pm - 9pm
《成佛之道》此课程，为如何修学和证悟提供了具体的指导说明。
|
|
|
线上一日禅修 : 大念处经
22.4.23 (Sat), 10am - 4pm
本经论述真修实证的修行法门，是初期佛教经典中占有突出重要的地位。
|
|
|
Community Tuition for GCE ‘O’ & ‘N’ Level Students
Mar to Oct 2023 (Every Week)
Are you seeking academic guidance for the ‘O’ or ‘N’-Level Examinations?
|
|
|
KMS Dharma School Student Admission Exercise 2023
Registration starts from 3.10.22
Instilling positive values during a child’s formative years nurture and help in their social and emotional development.
|
|
|
You might also be interested in...
|
|
|
Seniors VESAK Art
17.5.23 , 24.5.23, 31.5.23 (Wed), 1pm - 2.30pm
Stay active and keep dementia at bay with arts and crafts!
|
Self Discovery Series through LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY ®
2.4.23, 16.4.23, 30.4.23, 14.5.23 (Sun), 2pm - 4pm
Embark on your self-discovery journey through LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY ® (LSP).
|
|
乐龄正念基础班
3.4.23 & 24.4.23 (Mon), 2pm - 3.30pm
学习正念可以增强身心健康，减轻压力，并且有利于舒缓个人焦虑和不安的情绪，包括愤怒，恐惧等。
|
Digestive Health and Meal Planning 消化系统健康和膳食计划
16.4.23 (Sun), 2pm - 5pm
Not sure of what nutritious food to eat for your breakfast, lunch, and dinner? Come and attend this class to learn more about nutrition and meal planning.
|
|
素食营养课程初级班
19.4.23 & 26.4.23 (Wed), 12.30pm - 4.30pm
学习把健康饮食落实在日常生活中。
|
Introduction to Watercolour Painting
30.4.23 & 7.5.23 (Sun), 10am - 2pm
Learn the basics of watercolour and create a painting.
|
|
学佛第二课：四圣谛
5.5.23 - 26.5.23, (Fri) 7.30pm - 9pm
四圣谛，即苦谛、集谛、灭谛、道谛。参与此课程， 一同学习佛教的基础教义！
|
Online Wellness Series 2023 – HOLISTIC APPROACHES TO GRACEFUL AGING
6.5.23 (Sat), 10am - 5.30pm
Uncover the reasons and process of ageing to slow it down and conserve vitality.
|
|
Rejuvenate and Restore with the Power of Music
21.5.23 (Sun), 3pm - 5pm
Start your quest for holistic well-being with HealthRHYTHMS.
|
Colours of Life 2023
27.5.23 - 29.7.23 (Sat), 2pm - 3.30pm
Colours of Life uses free expression, reflection and exploration in arts for children to appreciate the beauty of things and their surroundings.
|
|
Mindfulness for Kids
29.5.23, 5.6.23, 12.6.23 & 19.6.23 (Mon), 1pm - 2.30pm
Immerse your child in UK’s leading mindfulness programme designed especially for children aged 7 -16.
|
Mind & Body Wellness Experience Half Day Retreat (Bilingual)
身心健康半日静修（双语）
18.6.23 (Sun), 10am - 4pm
Learn how to bring your mind and body back to equilibrium so as to achieve optimal wellness.
|
|
|
What is the Compassionate Samadhi Water Repentance Prayer?
The Dedication of Merits to the Departed Puja, held on the actual day of Qing Ming, begins with the chanting of The Compassionate Samadhi Water Repentance Sutra in the day.
In the Compassionate Samadhi Water Repentance prayer, water symbolises the great compassion of the Buddha, while one’s act of repentance is like using water to wash off the dirt on one’s clothing.
The prayer is performed to repent one’s unwholesome deeds, including karmic actions created in body, speech and mind. The repentance prayer helps to eliminate negativity in life and dedicate merits to all departed ones.
|
|
 The Chinese typically make offerings as a way of paying homage to their ancestors and departed loved ones.
Do you know that various offerings have their respective significances?
The most commonly used offering are fruits, which symbolise the truth of karmic cause and effect. The fruits of spiritual attainment lead towards the ultimate fruit of Enlightenment, which is the goal of all Buddhists.
Fresh and beautiful flowers, which later wither and lose their scent and colour, remind us of the impermanence of all things, including our lives. Offering flowers reminds us to treasure every moment of our lives and not be attached to material things.
Burning incense fills the air with fragrance, which symbolises the virtue and purifying effect of wholesome conduct. Burning incense also urges us to cease all evil and to cultivate good conduct.
With this understanding, it is important to keep the Buddha's teachings in mind when making offerings during the Qing Ming Festival.
For more details: https://bit.ly/3Y8eYFY
For more content, follow us on Instagram 📷 kmspks_monastery
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
