i am a buddhist but don't really know the significance of some traditions please clarify pattanumodana?

Question

pattanumodana is a ceremony in which merits are transferred to the departed...i can't seem to find the significance of the usage of the pot and bowl and the water... why is water used in the ceremony and what is done with the water after the ceremony... (please elaborate propperly)... thank you

Answer 1

"Buddhism is unique among religions in that it knows no ceremonies comparable to those in other religions. Ceremonies and rituals, elaborate and tiresome in performance, have no room in Buddhism. We do not find any instance in the Pali Canon where the Buddha lays down the rules and methods for the performance of ceremonies for the laity. It is left to the individual whether or not to perform them. He has only one thing which he must take into consideration, that is his performing of ceremonies does not clash with the teachings of the Buddha.

"In the absence, then, of any rules governing the performance of ceremonies in Buddhism, man cannot but follow the customs of the place where he lives, provided that these customs do not go against the tenets of Buddhism.

"If the customs or performance of the ceremonies do not accord with Buddhist religion, or if the religious compunction does not approve of them, then the method of performance, rather than the ceremony itself, should be adapted to suit the religious teachings, or an entirely new way of performing the ceremony should be sought for.

"A man will want to do something of a ceremony when a child is born to him, or he has an occasion to give away his son or daughter in marriage, or at the time of death of other persons."

Pattanumodana is simply a funeral ritual. It is hardly necessary nor essential in Buddhist practice.

Answer 2

These verses are to be chanted by the monk(leader) as a family member pours water into a small cup till it overflows.

-Just as the rivers full of water fill the ocean full,
even so does that here given benefit the dead.

-May all distress be averted,
may disease be destroyed,
may no dangers be for you,
may yoube happy and live long.

-He who is of respectful nature,
everthe elders honouring,
four qualities in him increae:
long life,beauty,happiness and strength.

Let this merit accrue to my relatives and may they be happy.

After the ceremony,the water is poured onto trees or plants outside the house.This is to ensure that the merit performed is absorbed by the plants and shared with all beings.