目犍連為佛陀弟子中神通第一，其母生前毀謗聖賢，死後墮入餓鬼道。目犍連以神通力，見母受苦，欲以飯食供養。其母欲食，飯食至口，即刻化為焰灰。目犍連向佛陀祈請救母脫苦之道。佛陀告以深重罪業，非一人之力可救，當於七月十五日僧自恣日，備百味飲食供養僧寶，以此功德，即可懺罪。此即盂蘭盆法會之由來。

Maudgalyayana was foremost in supernatural powers among the Buddha's disciples. While his mother was alive, she slandered the sages and those who were virtuous; therefore, she fell into the realm of the hungry ghosts after death. Using his supernatural powers, Maudgalyayana learned of his mother's suffering and wished to offer her food. Even though she was hungry, whenever food entered her mouth, it turned into ashes. Maudgalyayana sought the Buddha's advice on how to save his mother. The Buddha told him that her negative karma was so strong that individual effort was insufficient to rescue her. Maudgalyayana was instructed to offer a variety of food to the Sangha on the last day of the rainy season retreat. The merits gained from the offerings could help her repent her wrongdoings and free her from suffering. This was the origin of the Ullambana service.

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