Ancestor worship

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-14414-Columbus-Interfaith-Spirituality-Examiner~y2010m8d10-Spirituality-and-what-is-Obon

continued from my examiner column

Tonight I will light a lantern because I wish to honor my people and it is a custom that makes me nostalgic thinking about August's past. Read more about the Japanese Buddhist Obon festival: http://www.2camels.com/obon.php

In thinking about ancestors and eternity the other day, I noticed the symbolism on the Egyptian cup and saucer in my guest room. It is from an Egyptian tomb painting and features Horus serving up a symbol to a Queen. The symbol is an ankh, which represents eternal life. In the background, smaller people- servants no doubt, are carrying provisions in to the tomb for her journey to the afterlife.

Now if you should see a biker with this tatoo on his bicep, you will know what it means. [photo from Nachbarnebenan, Wickimedia Commons] The Wikimedia site after offering many conflicting interpretations of what the symbol could mean says, 'The Ankh, also known as key of life, the key of the Nile or crux ansata, was the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic character that read 'eternal life', a triliteral sign for the consonants ˁ-n-ḫ. Egyptian gods are often portrayed carrying it by its loop, or bearing one in each hand, arms crossed over their chest.'

From diverse authors Thich Nhat Hahn, the Buddhist Monk and the late John O'Donohue, one finds a reverential tone about those who have gone before. Whether one is meditating on the departed with Buddhist prayer flags overhead or standing on very green grass aside a Celtic cross, both speak appreciation for the contributions and say thank you to kindred ancestor spirits as their memories are called forth. I have dreamt of my father lately. In fact he returned to hug me in a dream in the midst of some recent turmoil. My husband said, 'Oh. Take it as a sign that everything will be okay. Not to worry.' Whether it's 'non-local communication' as some of the crowd dabbling in physics will explain, 'spirit visits' according to the New Age group, or a memory recalled by the subconscious to re-assure-as psychologists will infer; thinking of one's loved ones in a loving and appreciative light is good. Its healing.

One woman I visited in the hospital had not had a chance to say goodbye to her mother who died suddenly, and there was 'bad blood' between them. She had regrets. I urged her to write down her feelings and hold her mother in compassionate regard, even though it might be tinged with sadness. Read her the letter out loud and then, toss it in the fire, watching the smoke curl up into the air. Let it go. Don't carry regret or resentment like a monkey. Replace the memory and feeling with a positive one, a silly childhood moment you shared. Choose to focus on gratitude, uplifting qualities in the midst of realism, and understanding.

At our former home, there were pictures-photos, paintings, memorabilia in nearly every room. Because realtors advise removing personal touches, I packed them all away. My, how empty and lacking character the place was for me with-out this 'gallery of the ancestors', as I jokingly called it. Yet, it was freeing-a new canvas, a new time for us to make new memories. There is a time and a place for remembering- a special day, date, dream or sensory/visual cue- like a tropicana rose or a red cardinal which call to mind mom, or my grandmother. Let your heart fill with appreciation for what each person has brought into your life; what they have taught you- positive and negative. We are not truly individual, but interdependent. Recall simple one word or short phrase descriptions about that individual and offer it up, wrapped in love.