The Significance Of Rites In A Buddhists Funeral
Buddhism is one of the most popular religions practised across the world. The basic principles of the religion are based on the teachings of Buddha. Buddhism involves quest for the Ultimate Truth as well as a spirit of compassion and true love for every creature.
Buddhist funeral rituals are also based upon these basic tenets of the religion. After the death of a person in a Buddhist family, certain rites have to be followed in order to make sure that the deceased’s soul rises to a higher stage of life after death. Prayers are chanted calling upon the good energies of the dead person for his or her ultimate deliverance from this cycle of life.
The funeral rituals begin with giving the deceased a traditional ablution. Buddhist monks chant different religious scriptures, and these chants are believed to give the soul the correct guidance to attain spiritual freedom. Then the Lord Buddha’s teachings that highlight the significance of kindness and concern are recited aloud by the monks. In the meantime, the body is made ready for the last journey. The relatives generally place some money in the casket along with the deceased. This is to pay for the deceased’s journey across the River of Three Hells.
The casket is then put before the altar at home for friends and relatives to pay their 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 chanting is over, people present at the ceremony bow at the altar. As the visitors begin leaving, the family members give a gift to each other to show gratitude for sharing their sorrow.
After these rituals are carried out, the deceased may then be either buried or cremated according to the beliefs of the family members. In all, the rites aim to bring a sense of peace and acceptance to the grieving family while praying to promote the departed to a higher stage of knowledge and realization.
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