How to Bless an Object in Buddhism

There are several different types of blessings in the Buddhist religion, but the definition of a blessing is a protective power. This power can be reached in several ways: chanting certain words, sprinkling of water, being touched with holy objects or even certain hand gestures. To Buddhists it is not just about blessing an object, it is about what the blessing itself stands for, which is an to attempt to contact and share good in a divine sense.

Prepare the shrine which consists of the water vessel, Buddha image, candles or incense (if you choose) and white thread.

Take the white string and wrap it around the Buddha image, water vessel and the object being blessed.

Light the candles or incense on the altar. Then allow each member of the sangha to told it, forming a complete circle.

Take the white thread that is still attached to the water vessel, Buddha image and object, and pass it to each member of the sangha. Allow them to hold the thread and create a complete circle, starting and ending with the head monk in front of the shrine.

Sit and pray as the sangha being their chant. There are numerous different chants for a single blessing. As the sangha chant, the white thread becomes infused with prayers.

Continue to sit and pray while the head monk sprinkles water from the water vessel. Water will be sprinkled on the object and you (the owner).

Take the white thread and wind it back up. Allow the sangha to take the white thread and cut it into pieces. Depending on the ceremony and sangha, either the head monk or each individual monk will cut pieces of the string and offer a blessing to each person, tying the string around their wrists.

Present your offerings to each monk after the blessings are given. Offerings should include toiletries or special foods; these are things that monks do not buy for themselves.

Sit and pray as the monks do their final chant.