Buddhism is one of the most popular religions practised across the world. The basic tenets of the religion are based on the teachings of Buddha. People who practise Buddhism are expected to show unconditional love for all and try to attain the Ultimate Truth.
These fundamentals of Buddhism are reflected in the rites practised in a Buddhist funeral. When death occurs in a Buddhist family, there are some main rituals which are practised with the objective of ensuring that the soul of the departed can soar to an elevated level. Prayers are made invoking the positive energies associated with the deceased for his or her ultimate deliverance from this life cycle.
The first stage in funeral rituals is that of giving the body a traditional wash. After that comes the stage of chanting of religious texts by the priests, thereby directing the soul to the path of spiritual liberation. The teachings of Lord Buddha, which speak of the value of goodness and compassion in daily life, are recited aloud. Meanwhile, the body is made ready for the last journey. The relatives usually place some coins in the casket of the deceased. This is for enabling the dead person to pay and go across the River of Three Hells.
Then the casket is displayed to the near and dear ones to enable them to pay their respects by putting it at the altar. Attendees are required to pray for the deceased and the family and friends offer their condolences. The ceremony is accompanied with recitation of relevant sutras by the monks. Everyone present have to bow before the altar when this chanting is over. As the visitors start leaving, the family members present a gift to each other to display gratitude for sharing their sorrow.
After these rituals are done, the body may then be either cremated or buried in accordance with the beliefs of the family members. The rites and rituals are a way of bringing peace and acceptance to the family of the deceased as they know their prayers are directed towards elevating the status of the departed in his after life.
Discover more about the best company that provides high quality Buddhist funeral and Christian funeral.