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瑜伽為印度語，意為相應，即手結密印，口誦真言，專意觀想，身口意相應，故曰瑜伽。焰口是佛經裏講的一種餓鬼，也叫「面然」，其行貌枯瘦，咽喉細的像針一樣，口吐火焰。
據《焰口餓鬼經》記載，昔日阿難於林中習定，見觀音菩薩度受苦鬼道眾生所示現之鬼王，形容枯槁，面貌醜惡，頭髮散亂，爪尖長利，腹大如山，喉細如針，面上噴火，阿難駭而問其故，鬼王告以其前生貪心慳吝，故死後墮入餓鬼道中，變是身形，長年受難，備受諸苦。餓鬼父復謂阿難三日後亦當命盡，墮餓鬼道。阿難大驚，急至佛前哀求救度，佛乃為其演說焰口經及施食法，若眾生能施飲食予恆河沙數餓鬼及諸仙等，非但不落此道，反而延年益受，諸鬼神常來擁護，遇事吉祥。
焰口施食是根據《救拔焰口餓鬼陀羅尼經》而舉行之佛事，法會當中除了解除餓鬼飢虛之外，最主要是為他們說法、皈依、受戒，令他們具足正見，不再造罪受苦，早日脫離苦趣，成就菩提。
The Yogacara
Ulka-Mukha Dharma Service
(The
Feeding of Hungry-Ghosts)
"Yoga" is a Sanskrit term, which connotes the
correspondence of body, mouth, and mind. It is the gesturing of the hands in a mystical
position (mudra) together with the recitation of esoteric words (dharani, mantra) and the
concentration of the mind in contemplation. "Ulka-mukha" (flaming mouth) is
represented in the Buddhist sutras as a hungry ghost (preta). In addition to a very thin
appearance, it has a throat that is no bigger than needles, and a mouth that spits out
flame.
According to the Ulka-mukha Preta Sutra, Ananda once saw the
incarnation of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva (goddess of mercy) as lord of hungry ghosts
while practicing meditation in the forest. The Bodhisattva thus incarnated herself to save
all suffering beings in the ghost realm. The lord was emaciated in appearance with hideous
features. Its hair was unkempt; its nails and teeth were long and sharp. Its throat was
needle-like; its stomach jutted out like a mountain, and flame spurted out of its face.
Ananda was flabbergasted, and asked about the cause of such frightening destination. The
lord told him that he was greedy and miserly while he was alive; thereby upon his death,
he descended into the realm of hungry ghosts and transformed into the present semblance.
He further had to endure all kinds of sufferings, and year-round starvation. Moreover, he
informed Ananda that he, Ananda, would pass away in three days, and would likewise suffer
the same destiny. Ananda was terrified; he hurriedly went to the Buddha to seek
redemption. The Buddha explained The Discourse on the Feeding of Hungry Spirits and
taught him the proper way of bestowing food. If living beings can give food and drink to
the infinite number of hungry ghosts and deities, not only will they never descend into
the realm of hungry ghosts, but will also acquire longevity. While being watched over by
all spirits and gods, they will have good fortune in every endeavor.
The
Yogacara Ulka-mukha dharma service is held in accordance to the sutra. Although the
service is performed to rid the hollow hunger of the ghosts by bestowing food and drink to
them, more importantly, it is to deliver them from all sufferings through the teachings of
Buddha. By listening to the Dharma, the ghosts will then take refuge in the Triple Gems,
receive the precepts, and thus acquire Right View, which will enable them to abstain from
bad deeds and the terrifying consequences therewith. Only then is enlightenment within
their grasp.
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