In the Kṣitigarbha Sūtra, the maidens Guangmu and Brahmani set forth offerings and inscribed their mothers’ names, freeing them from suffering. A tablet is precisely such a "focus"—it gives dedication a target, so the deceased's name is invoked again and again by the lama and lit again and again by the Dharma.

The Kagyu setting of a tablet stresses the word "proper": it must be written, enshrined, and mantra-blessed before the mandala by a qualified lama, not merely a name on paper. Thus a family abroad, through the lama's hands, may still secure a peaceful seat for their loved one.

• **Dedication with a focus.** The tablet directs merit solely to the deceased, unscattered, like an arrow finding its mark.
• **Benefit to the deceased.** The lama's daily practice and ceremonies all take the tablet as condition, so the dead continually receive the Dharma's benefit.
• **Peace for the living.** Knowing the loved one's name is enshrined before the Buddha gives the family's remembrance a concrete home.

Online tablet-setting follows the Kagyu tradition:

• **Provide information.** You give the deceased's name and birth or memorial date, and the sponsor's (your) name as the cause of dedication.
• **Proper inscription.** The lama inscribes the tablet according to ritual in a pure place, enshrining it among the mandala or the row of liberation lotus seats.
• **Blessing and enshrinement.** The Avalokiteśvara and rebirth mantras are recited with blessing, making the tablet a proper focus.
• **Ongoing dedication.** While enshrined, the lama's practice and ceremonies all dedicate to it, so the deceased continually receives benefit.