Hungry Ghosts

From an article titled "Hungry Ghosts are Among Us": Hungry ghosts, or shades, are a part of Buddhism often forgotten in modern interpretations, but encompass an important part of traditional Buddhism. Hungry ghosts, or peta in Sanskrit, are those beings who lived a life of strong cravings so much so that their cravings persist beyond death. Thus, they live as shades, or ghosts, starving and without any comfort. Rebirth as a hungry ghost is thought to be only one step above Hell because you are not actively tormented, but they live life tormented by hunger and thirst.

LINK

I remember much of this interpretation from when we used to go to temple and the rest from the countless Amy Tan books I read when I was 14. I believe in reincarnation and the idea that family and friends will find ways to come together through different lifetimes. Sometimes souls are just attracted to each other.

With that said, I know I have always had these Hungry Ghosts in my life. I can name them. I have lived with quite a few of them. I have felt protective over them and spent a good portion of my life in relationships trying to fix them.

Tonight I was talking to a friend when I began to realize how "hungry" he was. He reminded me of someone I lost a few years ago. I blamed myself for the loss and I could see my other friend passing from this life as well.

I don't know if we become hungry from what we lack in the afterlife (as most literal interpretations suggest), or from what we lack here but I do know of a few common deficiencies and torments. I have known quite a few people who could not over come or, simply, would not stop grieving their past.

It is said that Hungry Ghosts will feed on your energy and fear. I have often lost myself in trying to repair these people in my life. It is difficult knowing when to let go, when it's a lost cause, or when they have made me too miserable to continue. I have to remind myself that I cannot make someone stop grieving; I cannot become hungry myself.