Gong Teck

Gong Teck is a memorial service done to celebrate the life of the deceased one, by creating merits for their ancestors and showing respect and gratitude to their loved ones. This day symbolizes the peaceful and successful passing on of the deceased from the living to the netherworld.

This service is conducted during the 49^th day, 100^th day, 1^st year, and/or the 3^rd year after the funeral service.

Elaborate offerings, lighting of joss-sticks and paper offerings are presented before the Paper Ancestral house. Prayers are also made to give the deceased a smooth journey without sickness. It is believed that the guards from Hell will bring the soul away.

In this grand affair, one must be pleasant and optimistic; no ill should be spoken during the event.

• Chanting of sutras
  An act done to move towards attaining enlightenment, this is done to deliver the deceased from suffering and to achieve a favourable rebirth from accumulated merits. As the dearly departed takes refuge in Lord Buddha, one must cultivate the right view and refrain from ill and negative thoughts or deeds, so as to avoid any consequences.
• Ulka-Mukha Dharma Service (Releasing the Flaming-Mouths Ritual)
  This ritual is often performed by Buddhist monks to eradicate the hunger of the wandering ghost by bestowing food and drinks to them. It is done to deliver the deceased from the suffering they’ve experienced, through the teachings of the Lord Buddha.
• Breaking of Hell’s Gate & Observing of Light
  Observed by the Cantonese, Hakka and Teochew clans, the Taoist priests will be performing sacred rites to seek mercy from God, to deliver the deceased from their eternal sufferings.

These rituals ensure the deceased one a peaceful journey to the netherworld.

Prices

Gong Teck processions can range between 6 hours to 3 whole days, based on the individual’s dialect and religious customs.

** The following is an estimation of what a Buddhist Gong Teck / Taoist Hokkien Gong Teck will cost.