In the tradition of Hilot Binabaylan, healing is far more than the treatment of physical ailments. Our sacred responsibility begins at conception and continues until ascension, embracing the entire journey of human existence. We serve not only the body but also the soul, for true healing is the restoration of harmony between the physical, emotional, spiritual, ancestral, and cosmic dimensions of life.
Many people see healing only as relief from pain, disease, or discomfort. Yet from the perspective of the Binabaylan, these are only a small part of our duty. The greater mission is to guide individuals and families through the most significant passages of life: conception, birth, growth, maturity, aging, death, and the spiritual journey that follows.
Healing Before Birth
The work of the Hilot Binabaylan begins even before a child enters the world.
We support couples who desire to conceive, helping them create balance within their bodies, minds, and spirits. We pray for healthy pregnancies, assist in preparing mothers for childbirth, and recognize birth as a sacred event in which a soul enters the earthly realm.
Every child is more than a physical body. Each one arrives carrying ancestral memory, spiritual purpose, and the gift of life itself. Thus, conception and birth are not merely biological processes. They are sacred acts deserving reverence and care.
Healing During Life
Throughout a person's lifetime, our responsibility extends beyond physical wellness.
A healthy body is important, but so is a healthy soul.
In many Indigenous Filipino traditions, illness may arise not only from physical causes but also from emotional wounds, spiritual imbalance, unresolved grief, disconnection from community, and disharmony with nature. The Hilot Binabaylan therefore works to help individuals restore their relationship with themselves, their ancestors, the Diwata, and the Sacred Mystery that gives life to all things.
One of our responsibilities is helping ensure that the soul remains properly connected and grounded within the body. Through prayer, ritual, healing, guidance, and community support, we encourage individuals to live meaningful lives rooted in compassion, wisdom, and right relationship with the world.
Healing at the Time of Death
Death is not the end of our duty.
In fact, it is one of the most important moments of a Hilot Binabaylan's service.
When a person approaches death, we offer comfort, prayer, and spiritual preparation. We help the dying find peace and acceptance. We help families understand that while the physical body may cease, the soul continues its journey.
Within ancient Tagalog spirituality, the resting place of the soul after death is often described as Maca or Kasanaan. The soul leaves the earthly realm and enters a new stage of existence.
Yet not every death occurs under peaceful circumstances.
Abyan and Busaw: Understanding the Condition of the Departed Soul
According to our Tambalang Binasaya lineage in Siargao and related beliefs found in parts of the Visayas and Mindanao, a deceased person's spirit may manifest in different ways after death.
An Abyan is a benevolent ancestral spirit. Such spirits may become guides and protectors who continue to assist the living through wisdom, inspiration, and spiritual presence.
A Busaw, on the other hand, is often understood as an earth-bound and troubled spirit. These spirits remain attached to the world due to unresolved pain, confusion, anger, fear, or unfinished matters.
A soul is more likely to transition peacefully when death comes through natural causes such as old age or illness. The individual has had time to prepare, reflect, and accept life's completion.
However, sudden deaths caused by murder, suicide, accidents, warfare, fire, earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, and other calamities may leave a soul unprepared for its transition. Such individuals often expected to continue living. Because of this shock, their spirits may struggle to release their attachment to the physical world.
This understanding explains why many traditions place great importance on prayers, offerings, remembrance, and rituals for the dead.
The Transformation of Spiritual Energy
Spirits are also energy.
Energy cannot be destroyed. It changes form.
For this reason, prayer is not merely a symbolic act. Prayer is a transformative act.
When we pray for the dead, we are expressing love, compassion, and healing intentions. We ask that their suffering be lifted. We ask that wounds, grief, anger, hatred, fear, and confusion be purified. We ask that the soul find its proper path and be united with the Divine Source of all life.
In doing so, we help transform spiritual unrest into spiritual peace.
The purpose of prayers for the departed is not only to comfort the living. It is also to aid the journey of the dead, helping troubled spirits release their burdens and become benevolent presences rather than forces of disruption.
Why the World Needs Prayer for the Dead
Human history is filled with tragedy.
Wars, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods, pandemics, fires, accidents, and countless other disasters have taken millions of lives. Many deaths occur suddenly and without preparation.
Each loss leaves behind grief.
Each loss leaves behind spiritual consequences.
The Binabaylan recognizes that healing the world requires healing not only the living but also the dead. When we pray for those who have passed on, we contribute to the restoration of harmony between worlds.
Daily prayer, remembrance of our ancestors, and positive affirmations help us remember the kind of spiritual beings we are meant to become. These practices strengthen our connection with compassion, wisdom, and divine purpose.
Through prayer, troubled spirits may find peace.
Through remembrance, forgotten souls may find honor.
Through love, fear can be transformed into healing.
A Call to Action
Today, I invite you to join me in a simple but powerful spiritual practice.
Take a moment each day to pray for the souls of the departed.
Pray for those who died in war.
Pray for victims of natural disasters.
Pray for those lost in accidents.
Pray for those who died alone, forgotten, afraid, or without preparation.
Pray for your ancestors.
Pray for your loved ones.
Pray for all souls seeking peace.
Together, we can become instruments of healing for both the living and the dead.
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Let us work together in the sacred mission of healing from Conception to Ascension, guiding souls toward peace, wisdom, and harmony with all creation.
May the ancestors be remembered.
May the wandering find their way.
May the living walk in balance.
May all souls be blessed with peace.