One of the most widespread religions in the world, Buddhism derives its main principles from the preaching of the Buddha. Buddhism teaches mercy and love for all creatures and realization of the Ultimate Truth.
Buddhist funeral rites are also based upon these basic tenets of the religion. There are certain mandatory rites that need to be adhered to during the funeral of a deceased person. These rites are aimed at ensuring that the departed soul is elevated to a higher stage. The positive energies of the dead are evoked to pray and wish the best for the deceased's life cycle beyond this birth.
The first task in funeral rites is that of giving the body a traditional wash. The second stage involves invitation of monks, who chant from religious texts and thereby help the deceased in finding eternity. 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 rituals. Friends and family usually keep some coins in the casket of the dead person. This is to pay for the dead person's journey across the mythical River of Three Hells.
The casket is then placed before the altar at home for friends and relatives to pay their final respects. The relatives and friends give condolences to the dead person's family, while the visitors pray for his soul. Monks who perform the rites continue to chant the appropriate sutras. After the completion of recitals, people attending the ceremony bow at the altar. After the ceremony, the family members of the deceased distribute gifts to the visitors for sharing their sorrow.
The family can decide upon whether to cremate the body or bury it according to their familial customs, once all these essential rituals are over. These rites are meant to allow the family to alleviate their sorrow by offering prayers that will elevate the dead to a higher stage of enlightenment and knowledge.
Buddhist funeral rites are also based upon these basic tenets of the religion. There are certain mandatory rites that need to be adhered to during the funeral of a deceased person. These rites are aimed at ensuring that the departed soul is elevated to a higher stage. The positive energies of the dead are evoked to pray and wish the best for the deceased's life cycle beyond this birth.
The first task in funeral rites is that of giving the body a traditional wash. The second stage involves invitation of monks, who chant from religious texts and thereby help the deceased in finding eternity. 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 rituals. Friends and family usually keep some coins in the casket of the dead person. This is to pay for the dead person's journey across the mythical River of Three Hells.
The casket is then placed before the altar at home for friends and relatives to pay their final respects. The relatives and friends give condolences to the dead person's family, while the visitors pray for his soul. Monks who perform the rites continue to chant the appropriate sutras. After the completion of recitals, people attending the ceremony bow at the altar. After the ceremony, the family members of the deceased distribute gifts to the visitors for sharing their sorrow.
The family can decide upon whether to cremate the body or bury it according to their familial customs, once all these essential rituals are over. These rites are meant to allow the family to alleviate their sorrow by offering prayers that will elevate the dead to a higher stage of enlightenment and knowledge.
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