Giving to the Spirit VS Giving to the Living
Today I read on the news, a community had gathered money to have a massive bonfire ceremony with loads of food for the Hungry Ghost Festival. The money gathered is at least in the five figures region. The attendees were all smiling and performed an elaborate ceremony.
I have my own religious practice, and I do believe in Hungry Ghost. Where do we draw the line between excessive and moderation? Is there a direct correlation between spirit's protection and blessings are based on what we burn during the ceremony? Can the money be better used for the living? Of course, the living does not have any superpowers to protect their donners.
These communities used their own money to have an elaborate ceremony; it is their rights! They bring no harm to anyone except a bit of air pollutions.
By giving to the spirit world, in return the spirit provides protections and smoother life. By giving to the living, in return we have the joy of giving and an appreciative mind. There is no right or not wrong here, it all depends on the person's perspective.
Today I have just paid for the Mon Refugee School's internet fees. I have not given anything to the spirit world. Does the spirit world get angry at me? I am sorry, the students need the internet for their studies. Every night, as I try to sleep, I would close my eyes are generate kind thoughts to all seen and unseen beings. I hope the spirit world can receive my good thoughts.