In this episode of “5 Minutes,” Dr. Robert Svoboda explores the Ancestor Fortnight and the traditional importance of maintaining a relationship with ancestors.

This year’s Ancestor Fortnight is about to begin. The Ancestor Fortnight comes in autumn in the Northern Hemisphere because this is the time when the year begins moving toward its own ending. It is therefore an appropriate time to remember the ancestors who have passed on, those who have already completed their lives.

Ancestors continue to influence us, and therefore it is beneficial to maintain a good relationship with them. When we have a healthy relationship with the ancestors, we can benefit them and they can benefit us.

In my opinion and experience, when someone has recently passed away, it is very useful to perform what is called pindadana. This is a specific ceremony that requires a priest, and there are particular rules regarding when it should be performed.

For anyone who has passed away, whether they are a blood relative or someone you consider part of your family, regardless of whether there is a physical blood connection, anyone can perform what is called pitru tarpana. This can be done at any time, but it is especially appropriate during the waning fortnight of the Moon.

The way my mentor Vimalananda taught me to perform pitru tarpana is very simple. You can do it at home, but if possible it is better to go to a lake, stream, river, or the ocean. Face south and bring water, milk, and black sesame seeds. If black sesame seeds are not available, ordinary sesame seeds can be used because they are symbolic.

If possible, bring a stick of incense. Sit quietly, light the incense, and perform the practice in a place where you will not attract unnecessary attention. Calm your mind and invite your ancestors, especially those you know, but also those you do not know. You can invite your great-grandparents and all those who came before you. Try to visualize those ancestors whom you know and invite them to sit before you.

For each ancestor you wish to specifically honor, focus your attention on that individual. Place a little water, a little milk, and a few sesame seeds into your hand and offer them, saying that you are offering this for their satisfaction.

You can use a Sanskrit formula if you know one, but it is not necessary if you do not. What is important is the sincerity of the offering. You can also use the mantra that you regularly repeat because, as Vimalananda taught, that mantra will have the most shakti for you.

Hold your hand in such a way that there is a small space or channel between your thumb and index finger, and allow the water, milk, and sesame seeds to flow onto the ground while reciting your mantra. The mantra svaha is used for fire offerings, while svadha is specifically associated with offerings to the ancestors.

Do this for each ancestor you wish to honor. Then make one more offering for all ancestors, including those who have been forgotten, those who have no one to remember them, and those who may have experienced difficulties or unresolved attachments connected with this world.

Finally, thank them for coming and acknowledge them as your ancestors. Ask them to return to pitru loka, the world of the ancestors, to join with the other ancestors, to become satisfied, and to release any remaining attachments to this world.