041-042 Regarding Offerings of Water

041 Regarding Offerings of Water (1)

Is it permissible to drink the water offered before the Buddha?

Disciple asks: Venerable Master, is it permissible to drink the water offered before the Buddha, the drinking water and washing water offered to the Buddha as part of the eight offerings?

Venerable Master Bao replies: Generally, the scriptures and tantras do not mention that it is forbidden to drink it, but due to hygiene concerns, it is usually offered to others rather than consumed by oneself. It depends on the individual; there’s no problem.

042 Regarding Offerings of Water (2)

Can the offerings placed before the Black Wealth God mandala be consumed by oneself?

Disciple asks: Venerable Master, can the offerings and beverages (offering water), etc., placed before the Black Wealth God mandala be consumed by oneself after the session or after tidying up in the evening?

Venerable Master Bao replies: Yes, there’s no problem.

However, during the preparation and offering of the items, you should prepare and offer them with the intention of offering them to the deity, not with the intention of consuming them yourself afterward. I often tell everyone this because some people have this kind of intention.

Offerings should be made with sincerity and devotion, not with the intention of consuming the offerings oneself afterward.