Tomorrow is a special day in Buddhism, called Ullambana, (Baekjong in Korean, and Obon in Japanese). The principle it follows is that we and our loved ones are not separate. Even after death, we share a fundamental connection, and through this we can help the spiritual level of the dead. Because we share this connection, we can assist them in moving forward on their own path, and at a spiritual level that more closely reflects where they were while alive.
For, it often happens that at the end of our body, our mental state isn’t what it once was. Either through long suffering or sudden shock, fear, or hatred, our spiritual level after death can be lower than what it could be. But because we no longer have a body to provide us with new input, our consciousness will persist at its current level for quite a while.
But, when we the living entrust them to our shared foundation and become one with them, they instantly become one with us and experience our spiritual awareness. In so doing, they are pulled up from where they may have been stuck, and after the ceremony is over, are able to continue forward at something closer to the potential they earned while alive.
Here’s an older video with Daehaeng Kun Sunim speaking about this. There are a few things I’d like to touch up on the translation, but it’s pretty good. Take a look and maybe see if it inspires you!
Wake Up and Laugh! 