The Meaning and Scope of Offerings

The meaning of "offering" (pūjā) is quite broad: upholding and practicing is an offering; providing what is needed is an offering; practicing in accordance with the teachings is an offering; showing respect is an offering; believing and accepting is an offering; prostrating is an offering; reading and reciting is an offering; mindful recollection is an offering; and praise is an offering.

Arhats have completely severed afflictions and self-grasping; their minds transcend the desire realm, the form realm, and the formless realm, making them foremost in the world—of course they are worthy of offerings from the multitude of humans and devas in the world. Bodhisattvas eliminate afflictions yet retain a trace of delusion to sustain rebirth, benefiting themselves and benefiting others, sacrificing themselves for sentient beings—they are even more worthy of offerings from the multitude of humans and devas. All sentient beings should make offerings to Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and arhats, as long as they have the capacity to make offerings and understand how to do so. Even a dog can make offerings to Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and arhats; lions and tigers can also make offerings—serving as guards and attendants for Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and arhats, showing them respect and prostration, and following their teachings—all of these are offerings, yielding immeasurable merit. Even bacteria fermenting the food and drink of Buddhas and bodhisattvas is a kind of offering; however, since bacteria are ignorant and without mind, the merit they obtain is very slight. Ghosts and spirits can all the more make offerings to the Three Jewels, planting merit in the field of the Three Jewels, so that by relying on the blessing power of the Three Jewels they can escape the evil destinies and attain the fruit of liberation.