Buddhism is one of the most widespread religions practised across the globe. The basic principles of the religion are based on the teachings of Lord Buddha. Buddhism entails quest for the Ultimate Truth and also a spirit of compassion and true love for every living being.
Buddhist funeral rituals also rely on these basic tenets of the religion. There are certain mandatory rites that need to be adhered to during the funeral of a dead person. These rites are meant to ensure that the departed soul is raised to a higher stage. Prayers are offered invoking the goodness of the deceased person and hopes are made for a blissful life after death for the departed.
The first stage in funeral rituals is that of giving the body a traditional wash. Buddhist monks read out from religious scriptures, which are believed to give the deceased the right guidance to attain spiritual freedom. The monks recite those teachings of Lord Buddha that talk about the significance of practising mercy and kindness. The body is meanwhile made ready for the final rites. The deceased is usually provided with some money placed in his casket by the family. 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 in the house for friends and relatives to pay their respects. The relatives and friends offer condolences to the deceased's family, while the attendees pray for his soul. The priests performing the rites keep reciting the sutras as the proceedings move on. The attendees present have to bow at the altar when this recital is over. As the visitors begin leaving, the family members present a gift to each other to display gratitude for partaking in their sorrow.
Once these rituals are done, the deceased may then be either cremated or buried in accordance with the beliefs of the family. The rites and rituals are a way of bringing peace to the family of the departed as they know their prayers are directed towards elevating the status of the deceased in his after life.
Buddhist funeral rituals also rely on these basic tenets of the religion. There are certain mandatory rites that need to be adhered to during the funeral of a dead person. These rites are meant to ensure that the departed soul is raised to a higher stage. Prayers are offered invoking the goodness of the deceased person and hopes are made for a blissful life after death for the departed.
The first stage in funeral rituals is that of giving the body a traditional wash. Buddhist monks read out from religious scriptures, which are believed to give the deceased the right guidance to attain spiritual freedom. The monks recite those teachings of Lord Buddha that talk about the significance of practising mercy and kindness. The body is meanwhile made ready for the final rites. The deceased is usually provided with some money placed in his casket by the family. 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 in the house for friends and relatives to pay their respects. The relatives and friends offer condolences to the deceased's family, while the attendees pray for his soul. The priests performing the rites keep reciting the sutras as the proceedings move on. The attendees present have to bow at the altar when this recital is over. As the visitors begin leaving, the family members present a gift to each other to display gratitude for partaking in their sorrow.
Once these rituals are done, the deceased may then be either cremated or buried in accordance with the beliefs of the family. The rites and rituals are a way of bringing peace to the family of the departed as they know their prayers are directed towards elevating the status of the deceased in his after life.
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