Are Funeral Rites Honored In Buddhist Tradition?
No matter what religion an individual belongs to, he or she could never escape the feeling of sadness when a loved one dies. The relgious affiliation in which a person belongs to can do a ritual of letting go in order to assist those who are left behind to come to terms with a loved one's demise.
Buddhism is one of the most widespread religions practised extensively across the globe. The main principles of the religion are based on the teachings of Lord Buddha. People who practise Buddhism are expected to display unconditional love for all and try to attain the Ultimate Truth.
These main tenets of Buddhism are reflected in the rituals followed in a Buddhist funeral. After the death of a person in a Buddhist family, certain rites have to be practised in order to ensure that the deceased's soul is elevated to a higher stage of life after death. The good energies of the dead are evoked to pray and wish the best for the deceased's next life beyond this birth.
A traditional bath to the body marks the beginning of the Buddhist funeral rituals. Buddhist monks chant different religious scriptures, which are believed to give the soul the correct guidance to attain spiritual freedom. The teachings of the Buddha, which speak of the value of goodness and compassion in daily life, are recited aloud. Meanwhile, the body is made ready for the final rites. The relatives usually place some coins in the casket of the deceased. This is believed to help the dead person cross the River of Three Hells to reach his destination.
Then the casket is exhibited to the family and friends to enable them to pay their final respects by placing it at the altar. Attendees are expected to pray for the deceased and the family and relatives give their condolences. The priests performing the rites keep reciting the sutras along with the proceedings. Once the chanting is complete, people bow before the altar to pay their final regards. After the ceremony, the family members of the deceased distribute gifts to the visitors for sharing their grief.
Once these rituals are done, the body may then be either buried or cremated in accordance with the beliefs of the family. These rites are meant to enable the family to alleviate their grief by offering prayers that will elevate the deceased to a higher stage of enlightenment and knowledge.
Buddhism is one of the most widespread religions practised extensively across the globe. The main principles of the religion are based on the teachings of Lord Buddha. People who practise Buddhism are expected to display unconditional love for all and try to attain the Ultimate Truth.
These main tenets of Buddhism are reflected in the rituals followed in a Buddhist funeral. After the death of a person in a Buddhist family, certain rites have to be practised in order to ensure that the deceased's soul is elevated to a higher stage of life after death. The good energies of the dead are evoked to pray and wish the best for the deceased's next life beyond this birth.
A traditional bath to the body marks the beginning of the Buddhist funeral rituals. Buddhist monks chant different religious scriptures, which are believed to give the soul the correct guidance to attain spiritual freedom. The teachings of the Buddha, which speak of the value of goodness and compassion in daily life, are recited aloud. Meanwhile, the body is made ready for the final rites. The relatives usually place some coins in the casket of the deceased. This is believed to help the dead person cross the River of Three Hells to reach his destination.
Then the casket is exhibited to the family and friends to enable them to pay their final respects by placing it at the altar. Attendees are expected to pray for the deceased and the family and relatives give their condolences. The priests performing the rites keep reciting the sutras along with the proceedings. Once the chanting is complete, people bow before the altar to pay their final regards. After the ceremony, the family members of the deceased distribute gifts to the visitors for sharing their grief.
Once these rituals are done, the body may then be either buried or cremated in accordance with the beliefs of the family. These rites are meant to enable the family to alleviate their grief by offering prayers that will elevate the deceased to a higher stage of enlightenment and knowledge.
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