Question 47: CERTAIN ROADS HAVE A HISTORY OF RECURRING ACCIDENTS. PEOPLE BELIEVE THAT THE SPIRITS OF THOSE WHO DIED IN ACCIDENTS ON THESE ROADS ARE CAPTURING NEW VICTIMS TO KEEP THEM COMPANY.

Question 47: CERTAIN ROADS HAVE A HISTORY OF RECURRING ACCIDENTS. PEOPLE BELIEVE THAT THE SPIRITS OF THOSE WHO DIED IN ACCIDENTS ON THESE ROADS ARE CAPTURING NEW VICTIMS TO KEEP THEM COMPANY. HOW SHOULD WE UNDERSTAND THIS BELIEF?Answer: There's a widespread belief that spirits of accident victims linger on roads with frequent crashes. These spirits are thought to cause new accidents to gaincompanions, as offerings left at accident sites supposedly provide sustenance for the existing spirits. Notably, these spirits are believed to be extremely hungry and thirsty, with some even said to crave blood, painting a grim picture of the afterlife.Another belief suggests that after death, spirits are often bound to their place of death, unable to roam freely like those who have earned sufficient merit. Spirits with merit are believed to be escorted by celestial beings or welcomed by loved ones, free to go wherever they please. However, those with little merit are thought to be trapped near their place of death, unable to move on or reincarnate, possibly for centuries.It's believed that virtuous monks should be invited to perform rituals, offering food and chanting sutras to liberate the spirits in order to address persistent accidents on a particular road. These spirits can then be escorted to a temple's spirit house, where they are effectively confined by the virtue of the monks and protective deities. This is said to immediately reduce the frequency of accidents on the road.It's also common to believe that spirits of accident victims linger along roadsides, hungry and thirsty. Offering food and reciting the Buddha's name for their better rebirth is considered a compassionate act that can alleviate their suffering.