Sacred Buddhist Funeral Rituals And Their Significances
The core of Buddhist religion, practiced in many countries the world over, comes from the basic teachings of Lord Buddha. Buddhism demands mercy and love for mankind, as well as recognition of the Ultimate Truth.
These Buddhist teachings are apparent in the rites seen in a Buddhist funeral. Certain mandatory rituals should be followed once a person Buddhist person passes away, to make sure that the dead’s soul gets elevated to a higher level in their next lifetime. To ensure the deceased’s deliverance from this birth and wishing them the best for their next, prayers are said to invoke the good energies of the dead.
A traditional bath to the body marks the beginning of the Buddhist funeral rites. After that comes the stage of chanting of religious texts by the priests, thereby guiding the soul to the path of spiritual liberation. Then Buddha’s teachings that emphasize on the significance of kindness and concern are read out loud by the monks. Meanwhile, the deceased is made ready for the final rites. Friends and family usually keep some coins in the casket of the dead person. This is for enabling the deceased to pay and go across the River of Three Hells.
The casket is then put before the altar in the house for the loved ones to pay their respects. The relatives and friends give condolences to the dead person’s family, while the visitors pray for his soul. Priests who perform the rituals continue to chant the appropriate sutras. Everyone present have to bow at the altar when this chanting is completed. As the visitors begin leaving, the family members give a gift to each other to display gratitude for sharing their sorrow.
The family members can decide upon whether to bury the body or cremate it according to their familial customs, once all these essential rituals are completed. The different ceremonies are a way of bringing peace and acceptance to the family of the departed as they know their prayer offerings are aimed at elevating the status of the departed in his after life.
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