I don't have anything clever or witty to say now, or even that much to say... But, I was wondering how many people here practice a form of ancestral worship? I know I do, coming from a Chinese family that did so. I sacrifice paper money to my family members who are departed and keep a little shrine for my now deceased younger brother. I can't explain it, but I feel my ancestors close at hand all throughout my life. I always want to make them proud of me, so I try to conduct myself in a way that I can be someone who is beneficial for humanity. And for my little brother, I want to show him that his big sister is someone to look up to. I don't live my life by any set commandments, but I do what I think will make myself happy and in harmony with the world, in a way that my family,both now and in the past, can say that I am a good person. I feel them whenever I push myself to my limits, they tell me to go harder, so I can be better. Maybe it's silly, maybe I'm just imagining these things as a way for me to try to stay connected with those people dear to me I've lost, but it's very real to my perception. My family and whatever the thing I don't pretend to understand, that I equate to God, I know are with me constantly. What do you guys think? Anyone else commune with their departed forebearers? Am I wacko?
I don't practice ancestor worship, but when I meditate I like to think about my departed family members, before I work at clearing my mind. Helps get me in a good harmonious state I think, remembering them and the love I felt with them. I really respect what you do.
