The Significance Of Rituals In A Buddhists Funeral
One of the most widespread religions on earth, Buddhism derives its main principles from the preaching of Lord Buddha. The followers of Buddhism are expected to display boundless love for all and try to realize the Ultimate Truth.
These main tenets of Buddhism are evident in the rituals practised in a Buddhist Funeral. When death occurs in a Buddhist family, there are some main rites which are followed with the objective of ensuring that the soul of the departed can ascend to an elevated level. The good energies of the dead are evoked to pray and wish the best for the dead person’s life cycle beyond this birth.
The first stage in funeral rituals is that of giving a traditional wash to the body. Buddhist monks chant different religious scriptures, which are believed to give the soul the right guidance to achieve spiritual liberation. Then the Lord Buddha’s teachings that highlight the significance of kindness and concern are recited aloud by the monks. Meanwhile, the deceased is prepared for the final rites. The deceased is generally provided with some money put in his casket by the family members. This is supposed to help the deceased cross the River of Three Hells to reach his destination.
The casket is then put before the altar in the house for friends and relatives to pay their respects. Attendees are required to pray for the dead person and the family and relatives give their condolences. The ceremony is accompanied with chanting of relevant sutras by the monks. Everyone present have to bow at the altar when this chanting is over. As the visitors start leaving, the family members give a gift to each other to show gratitude for partaking in their sorrow.
Once these rituals are completed, the family can decide to bury or cremate the deceased based on their family customs. The different ceremonies 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 deceased in his after life.
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