In the Vajrayana tradition of buddhism, before performing a religious ceremony which is intended for invoking prosperity, wealth and longevity, it is very important to carry out a preparatory practice called Despatching "Serak". It refers to despatch the evil spirits including hungry ghosts who constantly create obstacles to prevent righteous acts like the showering of good luck, peace and prosperity from being successfully carried out.
According to the sadhanas (ritual/practice texts), for this practice, an effigy of a poor old man holding an empty bag, and in the begging posture must be used; he is to be surrounded by many other similar effigies of hungry beggars, all of whom symbolise the "SERAK" effegies.
The "SERAK" are then invited to partake of the feast, which is blessed by Vajra Guru, with the blessings of holy and sacred mantras/prayers; all done in the motivation of great compassion and generosity. Thus, the offerings are made genuine for consumption. By the blessings of the mantras/prayers of offerings and alms-giving, all the wishes and needs of the hungry spirits are fullfilled. Subsequently, they are all despatched far away with their evil thoughts and negatives motivation of harm, along with the effegies. With the completion of this preparatory practice, the auspicious ceremony that follows can be performed smoothly.
   |