A Dedication of Merit to Departed Relatives
A short Pali verse recited three times to dedicate merit to departed relatives, wishing them happiness, often used in Theravada funeral and memorial rites.
Verses
May this be for the sake of our departed relatives; may they be happy and at peace.
Verse 1
May this be for the sake of our departed relatives; may they be happy and at peace.
Verse 2
May this be for the sake of our departed relatives; may they be happy and at peace.
Verse 3
Worship Guidelines & Chanting Benefits (Phalashruti)
Daily or auspicious lunar days (Ekadashi, Purnima, Pradosham)
Brahma Muhurta (4:00 AM – 6:00 AM) or Evening Dusk (Sandhya)
Ghee lamp (Deepa), Incense (Dhoopa), Fresh flowers & Water offering
- Peace of mind, spiritual upliftment, and harmonious energy in the home
Background
This gatha's core line is drawn from the Tirokudda Kanda in the Pali Canon's Khuddakapatha (text 7, also preserved as Petavatthu 1.5). It is a traditional canonical verse with no individual human composer, recited as a dedication of merit to departed relatives. often recited as a dedication of merit to departed relatives. It is part of the broader practice of sharing merit (puñña) with the deceased, commonly done during funeral rites or memorial services in Theravada Buddhist countries. The repetition three times is a traditional way to emphasize the dedication and ensure the merit reaches the intended recipients. The verse is simple and heartfelt, expressing the wish that the merit be offered to relatives and that they be happy.
Did You Know?
A Pali Blessing
These verses are in Pali, the ancient language of the Buddhist scriptures, closely related to Sanskrit. The phrase is a simple, heartfelt dedication: "May this be for our relatives; may the relatives be happy."
The Power of Repetition
The verse is chanted three times, a common practice in Buddhist and Hindu traditions. The repetition is not just for emphasis—it is believed to deepen the intention and amplify the positive energy of the wish, focusing the mind and heart on the act of loving-kindness.
Context of Generosity
This short verse is often recited after offering food, water, or other gifts, especially in ceremonies for the departed. It is a way of sharing the merit of the good deed with one's family and ancestors, expressing the hope that they too will be happy and peaceful.
A Universal Wish
The sentiment is universal and timeless—a wish for the well-being of one's kin. It reflects the core Buddhist value of mettā (loving-kindness), which extends goodwill not just to the living, but also to those who have passed on, making it a deeply compassionate practice.
Simple Structure, Deep Meaning
The verse is a perfect example of how profound ideas can be expressed simply. It pairs an action ("this may be for") with a result ("may they be happy"), creating a direct link between giving and the welfare of others, a principle at the heart of many spiritual traditions.
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