This study explores the Mong Son Thi Thuc ritual—a Buddhist alms-giving ceremony performed for wandering souls in Northern Buddhism—through the lens of Bronislaw Malinowski’s functional theory. Emphasizing the psychological and social roles of religious behavior, the research investigates how this ritual fulfills practitioners' emotional needs, particularly in coping with fear of supernatural forces. A quantitative methodology was employed, surveying 800 respondents across monastic and lay communities in Ho Chi Minh City. Data collection via structured questionnaires and analysis through descriptive statistics reveal that the ritual not only alleviates psychological anxiety but also reinforces spiritual teachings and community cohesion. Findings show that 91.3% of participants believe in the existence of ghosts and spirits, while 83% fear potential harm from such entities. The ritual functions as a coping mechanism, enabling believers to attain peace of mind, reduce fear, and express compassion through symbolic offerings. Furthermore, the practice strengthens doctrinal engagement, with 42% of respondents identifying it as a form of almsgiving prescribed by the Buddha. In this way, the Mong Son ritual fulfills dual roles: offering emotional relief and serving as a means of moral and spiritual cultivation. By applying functionalist theory, the study affirms that religious rituals are not merely symbolic acts but practical tools addressing existential uncertainty and reinforcing social and spiritual values. The Mong Son Thi Thuc ritual, therefore, remains a vital element of Northern Vietnamese Buddhist practice, reflecting a dynamic interplay between tradition, belief, and psychological resilience. These insights offer a deeper understanding of how ritual behavior continues to shape spiritual life in contemporary Buddhist communities.
Nguyen Tan Khang (Wed,) studied this question.