The basic teachings of the Buddha form the crux of the Buddhist religion which is practised extensively in several parts of the world today. Buddhism entails search for the Ultimate Truth as well as a sense of compassion and true love for every creature.
These main principles of Buddhism are evident in the rites followed in a Buddhist Funeral. There are certain compulsory rituals that need to be adhered to during the funeral of a dead person. These rites are meant to ensure that the deceased is elevated to a higher stage. The good energies of the dead are evoked to pray and wish the best for the deceased's life cycle beyond this birth.
The funeral rites start with giving the dead person a traditional ablution. Monks are invited to read out from religious scriptures, and these chants are believed to give the soul the correct guidance to achieve spiritual liberation. Then the Lord Buddha's teachings that emphasize on the significance of kindness and compassion are read out loud by the monks. In the meantime, the body is made ready for the last journey. The relatives normally keep some coins in the casket along with the deceased. This is believed to help the deceased cross the River of Three Hells to reach his destination.
Then the friends and family come and pay their last respects to the deceased as the casket is put at the altar. Attendees are expected to pray for the deceased and the family and relatives give their condolences. The proceeding is accompanied with chanting of relevant sutras by the priests. After the chanting is over, people present at the ceremony bow at the altar. The family members then thank the attendees for sharing their sorrow by distributing gifts to them.
Once these rituals are over, the family members can decide to bury or cremate the deceased according to their family customs. The rites and rituals are a means of bringing peace and acceptance to the family members of the deceased as they know their prayers are directed towards elevating the status of the departed in his life after death.
These main principles of Buddhism are evident in the rites followed in a Buddhist Funeral. There are certain compulsory rituals that need to be adhered to during the funeral of a dead person. These rites are meant to ensure that the deceased is elevated to a higher stage. The good energies of the dead are evoked to pray and wish the best for the deceased's life cycle beyond this birth.
The funeral rites start with giving the dead person a traditional ablution. Monks are invited to read out from religious scriptures, and these chants are believed to give the soul the correct guidance to achieve spiritual liberation. Then the Lord Buddha's teachings that emphasize on the significance of kindness and compassion are read out loud by the monks. In the meantime, the body is made ready for the last journey. The relatives normally keep some coins in the casket along with the deceased. This is believed to help the deceased cross the River of Three Hells to reach his destination.
Then the friends and family come and pay their last respects to the deceased as the casket is put at the altar. Attendees are expected to pray for the deceased and the family and relatives give their condolences. The proceeding is accompanied with chanting of relevant sutras by the priests. After the chanting is over, people present at the ceremony bow at the altar. The family members then thank the attendees for sharing their sorrow by distributing gifts to them.
Once these rituals are over, the family members can decide to bury or cremate the deceased according to their family customs. The rites and rituals are a means of bringing peace and acceptance to the family members of the deceased as they know their prayers are directed towards elevating the status of the departed in his life after death.
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Leave the delicate matter of funeral services needs in the hands of considerate professional undertakers. Unique version for reprint here: The Significance Of Rites In A Buddhists Funeral.
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