Remembering ancestors with good deeds
The phrase "Remembering ancestors with good deeds" is a beautiful and powerful concept found in cultures and philosophies around the world. It moves beyond simple remembrance into active, living tribute.
It essentially means: Honoring those who came before us not just with words or rituals, but by continuing their legacy of goodness through our own actions.
Here’s a breakdown of what this means, why it's important, and how it's practiced.
What It Means
This idea can be interpreted in several profound ways:
Continuing Their Work: Your ancestors may have been known for specific virtues—kindness, generosity, resilience, justice. By embodying those same virtues in your own life, you keep their spirit alive in the most meaningful way.
Repaying Their Sacrifice: Many of us stand on the shoulders of ancestors who struggled, sacrificed, and persevered so that we could have better lives. Living a good, ethical, and productive life is the ultimate way to show that their efforts were not in vain.
Healing Generational Wounds: For some, ancestors may have also passed down trauma or negative patterns. "Good deeds" can also mean breaking those cycles—choosing peace over conflict, healing over hurt, and love over fear—thus honoring them by creating a new, healthier legacy.
Making Them Proud: It is the belief that the best way to honor your lineage is to live a life that would have made your ancestors proud. This acts as a moral compass, guiding your decisions and actions.
Why It's a Powerful Practice
It Gives Meaning to Memory: It transforms remembrance from a passive, sometimes sorrowful act into an active, positive, and empowering one.
It Creates a Living Legacy: A good deed ripples outward, touching others' lives. In this way, your ancestor's positive influence continues to grow long after they are gone.
It Fosters Interconnectedness: It reinforces the idea that we are part of a long chain of humanity—connected to our past through our ancestors and to our future through the impact of our deeds.
It Provides Guidance: When faced with a difficult choice, asking "What action would best honor my family's name?" can provide profound clarity.
How to Practice "Remembering Ancestors with Good Deeds"
This can be incorporated into daily life in both formal and informal ways:
1. Charitable Acts (Tzedakah in Judaism, Sadaqah Jariyah in Islam):
Donate to a cause your ancestor cared about (e.g., education, animal welfare, a disease they battled) in their name.
Volunteer your time for that cause.
2. Acts of Kindness:
Perform random acts of kindness dedicated to their memory. "This one's for you, Grandma."
Forgive someone, embodying an ancestor's generous spirit.
Stand up for someone, embodying an ancestor's courage.
3. Practicing and Preserving Traditions:
Cook a family recipe and share the stories behind it with the next generation.
Practice a cultural craft, dance, or song they cherished.
Pass down their wisdom, proverbs, and life lessons to your children or nieces and nephews.
4. Living Their Values:
If your ancestor was a teacher, you might mentor someone.
If they were a farmer, you might plant a garden or support local agriculture.
If they valued education, you might commit to lifelong learning or tutor others.
5. Creative Tributes:
Write a poem, song, or story that captures their essence and inspires goodness in the reader.
Create a piece of art in their memory that brings beauty into the world.
By Jamuna Rangachari
