The basic teachings of the Buddha form the crux of the Buddhist religion which is practised extensively in several parts of the world today. The followers of Buddhism are expected to show boundless love for all and try to attain the Ultimate Truth.
Buddhist funeral rituals are also based upon these fundamental tenets of the religion. There are certain mandatory rites that need to be followed during the funeral of a deceased person. These rites are aimed at ensuring that the departed soul is raised to a higher stage. The positive energies of the deceased are invoked to pray and wish the best for the dead person's life cycle beyond this birth.
The first task in funeral rituals is that of giving the body a traditional wash. Monks are invited to read out from religious scriptures, and these chants are believed to give the deceased the correct guidance to achieve spiritual liberation. Then Buddha's teachings that highlight the importance of kindness and compassion are recited aloud by the monks. Meanwhile, the body is made ready for the final rites. The relatives usually keep some money in the casket along with the deceased. This is believed to help the deceased cross the River of Three Hells to reach his destination.
Then the friends and relatives pay their last respects to the deceased as the casket is put at the altar. The relatives and friends offer condolences to the deceased's family, while the attendees pray for his soul. The proceeding is accompanied with recitation of relevant sutras by the monks. Once the recital is complete, people bow before the altar to pay their last respects. After the ceremony, the family members of the departed give out gifts to the attendees for sharing their sorrow.
The family can decide upon whether to bury the body or cremate it according to their family beliefs, once all these important rituals are completed. 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 enlightenment.
Buddhist funeral rituals are also based upon these fundamental tenets of the religion. There are certain mandatory rites that need to be followed during the funeral of a deceased person. These rites are aimed at ensuring that the departed soul is raised to a higher stage. The positive energies of the deceased are invoked to pray and wish the best for the dead person's life cycle beyond this birth.
The first task in funeral rituals is that of giving the body a traditional wash. Monks are invited to read out from religious scriptures, and these chants are believed to give the deceased the correct guidance to achieve spiritual liberation. Then Buddha's teachings that highlight the importance of kindness and compassion are recited aloud by the monks. Meanwhile, the body is made ready for the final rites. The relatives usually keep some money in the casket along with the deceased. This is believed to help the deceased cross the River of Three Hells to reach his destination.
Then the friends and relatives pay their last respects to the deceased as the casket is put at the altar. The relatives and friends offer condolences to the deceased's family, while the attendees pray for his soul. The proceeding is accompanied with recitation of relevant sutras by the monks. Once the recital is complete, people bow before the altar to pay their last respects. After the ceremony, the family members of the departed give out gifts to the attendees for sharing their sorrow.
The family can decide upon whether to bury the body or cremate it according to their family beliefs, once all these important rituals are completed. 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 enlightenment.
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