How to Make Merit Dedications for the Deceased: Correct Water-Pouring Rituals and the Meaning of 7-100 Days

Loss may mark the end of encounters but is not the end of bonds. In Buddhism, "making merit dedications" is the most powerful bridge between the living and the deceased. But how can merit precisely reach the recipient's "hands" and help ease the grief of those still living?

Thairath Online summarizes all aspects here.

The heart is the "mind," a medium stronger than any material thing.

Many focus on expensive items, but in truth, a "pure intention" is the best vehicle for transmitting merit.

• Mindset during merit-making: It should be calm and peaceful, not overly sorrowful, because a clear mind has greater power to transmit merit.
• Identifying the recipient: Saying the full name or visualizing the face of the deceased is like "locking the target" to ensure the merit reaches the correct person.

Three ways to create great merit that reaches those in the heavens directly:

• Offerings to monks, food, or donations to the poor in the name of the deceased.
  Choosing items the deceased "liked" or "truly useful" brings joy to the giver, generating high-quality merit energy.
• Releasing animals, donating blood, or contributing to education are considered refined and powerful merits in Thai belief.
• Resolutely observe the Five Precepts or meditate for just 5-10 minutes, then dedicate the merit. This merit is considered greater than material offerings.

Tips to make water-pouring merit reach its destination immediately:

Water-pouring uses water as a medium symbolizing the flow of merit, with simple principles.

1. Start pouring water: When the monk begins chanting the "Yatha Varivaha..." verse.
2. The dedication prayer: Use clear heartfelt language without worrying about Pali, such as "I dedicate this merit to (full name). May they be happy in a good realm."
3. Entrust to Mother Earth: After pouring, pour water at the base of a large tree to let Mother Earth witness this good deed.

Decoding the significance of 7, 50, and 100 days:

• 7 days (transition period) is believed to be when the spirit regains composure; merit-making "turns on the guiding light."
• 50 days (karma review period) is like sending "supplies" to support the spirit during this critical time.
• 100 days (preparation for the new existence) is making major merit to fully send off the spirit to a blissful realm.

What does dreaming of the deceased after making merit mean?

Belief holds that dreaming of the deceased smiling often means they "rejoice in the merit" or are expressing thanks. Psychologically, dreams reflect a relaxed subconscious, showing you've fulfilled your final duty. Reduced guilt transforms into beautiful dreams to help you "move on" peacefully.

Merit reaches the deceased immediately if they exist in a perceivable realm. If not, the merit remains with the giver, becoming inner strength and reserves to sustain life steadily. The highest merit is that which lightens our hearts and increases love for fellow humans.