Verse of Food for Spirits (Inglese)

Next, if it is main meal time, put out food offering for spirits (this is called “distribution for spirits”). Procedure for this is as follows. First bow in gassho, then using index finger and thumb of right hand pick up approximately seven grains of rice, place on handle of bowl swab, and chant Verse of Food for Spirits:

Oh spirits, we now give you an offering; this food is for all of you in the ten directions.

汝等鬼神衆

jiten kijinshu

我今施汝供

gokin suji kyu

此食偏十方

suji hen jihō

一切鬼神共

ishi kijin kyu

(Food for spirits should positively not exceed approximately seven grains of rice. In the case of glutinous rice cakes, put out a piece about the size of half a penny; or in the case of noodles, a piece about 3 cm—1 inch—long. Rice gruel [served at morning meal] is not offered to spirits. Because there is no offering for spirits at gruel time, Verse of Rice for Spirits is not chanted, and immediately following Verse of Five Contemplations assembly raises bowls and chants, “The upper portion is for the three treasures... etc.”)