Buddhism is one of the most popular religions practised across the world. The basic principles of the religion are based on the teachings of Lord Buddha. Buddhism entails search for the Ultimate Truth as well as a sense of compassion and genuine love for every creature.
These main tenets of Buddhism are evident in the rituals practised in a Buddhist Funeral. When someone dies in a Buddhist family, there are some main rituals which are followed with the aim of ensuring that the deceased's soul can ascend to an elevated level. The positive energies of the deceased are invoked to pray and wish the best for the dead person's next life beyond this birth.
A traditional bath to the body marks the start of the Buddhist funeral rites. 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 practising virtue and compassion in daily life, are recited aloud. The body is meanwhile prepared for the final rituals. The deceased is normally provided with some money placed in his casket by the family members. This is done to pay for the dead person's journey across the River of Three Hells.
Then the casket is exhibited to the family and friends to allow them to pay their respects by placing it at the altar. While friends and relatives give condolences, attendees are expected to pray for the dead person. Monks who carry out the rites continue to recite the appropriate sutras. The attendees present have to bow before the altar when this recital is over. As the visitors begin leaving, the family members give a gift to each other to show gratitude for sharing their sorrow.
Once these rituals are completed, the family members can decide to bury or cremate the body according to their family beliefs. These rites are meant to enable the family to alleviate their grief by offering prayers that will raise the dead to a higher stage of enlightenment and knowledge.
These main tenets of Buddhism are evident in the rituals practised in a Buddhist Funeral. When someone dies in a Buddhist family, there are some main rituals which are followed with the aim of ensuring that the deceased's soul can ascend to an elevated level. The positive energies of the deceased are invoked to pray and wish the best for the dead person's next life beyond this birth.
A traditional bath to the body marks the start of the Buddhist funeral rites. 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 practising virtue and compassion in daily life, are recited aloud. The body is meanwhile prepared for the final rituals. The deceased is normally provided with some money placed in his casket by the family members. This is done to pay for the dead person's journey across the River of Three Hells.
Then the casket is exhibited to the family and friends to allow them to pay their respects by placing it at the altar. While friends and relatives give condolences, attendees are expected to pray for the dead person. Monks who carry out the rites continue to recite the appropriate sutras. The attendees present have to bow before the altar when this recital is over. As the visitors begin leaving, the family members give a gift to each other to show gratitude for sharing their sorrow.
Once these rituals are completed, the family members can decide to bury or cremate the body according to their family beliefs. These rites are meant to enable the family to alleviate their grief by offering prayers that will raise the dead to a higher stage of enlightenment and knowledge.
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