One of the most widespread religions on earth, Buddhism derives its main principles from the preaching of Lord Buddha. Buddhism teaches compassion and universal love for all creatures and realization of the Ultimate Truth.
These main tenets of Buddhism are evident in the rites practised in a Buddhist funeral. When someone dies in a Buddhist family, there are some basic rites which are followed with the objective of ensuring that the deceased’s soul can soar to an elevated stage. The good energies of the dead are invoked to pray and wish the best for the dead person’s next life beyond this birth.
The first task in funeral rites is that of giving the body a traditional wash. The next stage involves invitation of monks, who chant from religious texts and thereby help the deceased in finding eternity. The monks recite those teachings of Lord Buddha that talk about the significance of practising compassion and kindness. The body is meanwhile made ready for the final rituals. The relatives normally keep some money in the casket of the deceased. This is to pay for the deceased’s journey across the mythical River of Three Hells.
Then the friends and family come and pay their last respects to the dead person as the casket is put at the altar. The relatives and friends offer condolences to the deceased’s family, while the attendees pray for his soul. Monks who perform the rites continue to recite the appropriate sutras. After the completion of recitals, people attending the ceremony bow at the altar. As the visitors start leaving, the family members present a gift to each other to display gratitude for partaking in their sorrow.
The family can decide upon whether to cremate the body or bury it as per their familial customs, once all these essential rituals are over. In all, the rites try to bring a sense of peace and acceptance to the grieving family while praying to promote the departed to a higher state of knowledge and enlightenment.
Entrust the delicate matter of funeral needs in the hands of caring professional undertakers.
No related posts.