The Sur Offering that Satisfies All Beings of Samsara and Nirvana
The practice of Sur (burnt food offering) is a profoundly important practice of generosity in Youngdrung Bon, and its benefits are extensively described throughout the Sutras and Tantras. Through this upcoming teaching, we will explore the profound nature of the Sur offering, how it benefits other beings, and how it perfects our own accumulation of merit and purification of obscurations.
Key Benefits of the Sur Offering
Alleviating the Suffering of the Bardo and Hungry Ghosts: Beings in the bardo (intermediate state) and the hungry ghost realm lack physical bodies of flesh and blood, subsisting entirely on aromas. Through pure burnt offerings, the aroma directly alleviates their hunger and thirst, bringing contentment and joy to their minds while pacifying anger and resentment.
Accumulating Merit and Purifying Obscurations: By offering a modest amount of food to benefit countless sentient beings, we fully perfect the accumulation of generosity, purify karmic debts and animosity accumulated over beginningless lifetimes, and pacify all obstacles. Temporary Benefits in This Life: In this present life, it brings good health, longevity, fulfillment of wishes, increase in wealth, popularity, and respect as a worthy vessel of honor among gods and humans. It also pacifies negative conditions such as illnesses, epidemics, and harmful spirits, serving as a supreme source of favorable conditions.
Special Results and Ultimate Attainment: If deceased relatives or loved ones are in the bardo, dedicating the Sur offering directly relieves their hunger and thirst and guides them toward the path of virtue. In future lives, it purifies the two obscurations, completes the two accumulations, ultimately leads to the attainment of Buddhahood, and temporarily grants precious rebirths as humans or gods. Indeed, scriptures teach that offering Sur carries even greater merit than giving gold to all sentient beings across the three realms.
Platform: Zoom
Time & Day: Thursday October 15 - 2026
Time: 6:00 PM (New York Time)
Teaching Fee: $15 USD
We warmly invite you to join this profound teaching on the Sur offering to accumulate vast merit and benefit all sentient beings.
A-Kar Bon
Geshe Tenzin Gelek