The "Correct Memorial Service" to Send Your Loved Ones to Heaven - The Happiness and Merits of Believing in Lord El Cantare【Monthly "Happiness of Science"】

What is the purpose of memorial services?

In modern times, many people consider it a comfort for the hearts of the living.

However, even after death, the soul does not disappear, and heaven and hell do exist.

Therefore, sending your loved ones to heaven through the correct memorial service and expressing gratitude to your ancestors is important for both the deceased and the surviving family members.

Based on the teachings of President Ryuho Okawa, who speaks of Lord El Cantare, we will introduce the importance of having faith and the correct memorial service.

※ This article isMonthly "Happiness of Science" No.462 (August 2025) open_in_newreprinted and edited from

Death is not the end - the afterlife exists

First, we will explain the journey after death, which is essential to know before performing a memorial service. Let's look at what happens after the deceased becomes a soul.

Reference Scriptures:'The Path to Enlightenment' open_in_new'The Eternal Law' open_in_new'The Law of Hell' open_in_newAll authored by Ryuho Okawa

In modern times, the meaning of memorial services has been lost, becoming mere formalities, and incorrect knowledge has spread. We will explain common questions related to memorial services based on the Buddhist truths taught by President Ryuho Okawa.

A: They are performed for the deceased. Spirits and the afterlife do exist.

A: The deceased may become lost.

The funeral serves to make the deceased aware of their death and encourages their departure to the afterlife. Additionally, the grave acts like a kind of "antenna," serving as a crossroads to communicate with the deceased through memorial services, much like making a phone call. Funerals and graves are extremely important for both the deceased and the family.

A: The causes of happiness and unhappiness lie within oneself, not in the ancestors.

The causes of happiness and unhappiness are found in one's way of living and thinking. Even if ancestors were truly causing disturbances, descendants can learn and practice the truths of Buddhism, allowing the ancestors to learn from them and gain a connection to salvation.

A: Not being overly sad is also a form of love.

The souls of animals are not sufficiently individualized, and in the afterlife, they become like group souls, with a quicker cycle of reincarnation. Therefore, if you create and excessively worship a grave, it will lead to attachment to this world and hinder their reincarnation, so it is important to gradually forget them.

A No, please do offer prayers.

Expressing gratitude for the favors received from ancestors also counts as offering prayers. That sentiment becomes the virtue of the deceased, so please make offerings during the Obon and Higan periods.

Reference Scriptures:'Correct Offerings, Incorrect Offerings' open_in_new'The Law of Hell' open_in_newEtc. All by Ryuho Okawa