One of the most widespread religions on earth, Buddhism derives its main principles from 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.
These main tenets of Buddhism can be seen in the rituals practised in a Buddhist Funeral. There are certain mandatory rites that need to be adhered to during the funeral of a deceased person. These rites are aimed at ensuring that the departed soul is elevated to a higher stage. Prayers are made calling upon the good energies of the deceased for his or her deliverance from this cycle of life.
The first stage in funeral rites is that of giving the body a traditional wash. Then comes the stage of chanting of religious texts by the priests, thereby directing the soul towards the path of spiritual freedom. The monks recite those teachings of Lord Buddha that talk about the importance of practising mercy and kindness. Meanwhile, the body is prepared for the final rituals. The relatives normally place some coins in the casket of the deceased. This is to pay for the deceased's journey across the mythical River of Three Hells.
Then the casket is displayed to the near and dear ones to enable them to pay their final respects by placing it at the altar. While friends and relatives offer condolences, visitors are expected to pray for the deceased. Priests who perform the rituals continue to recite the appropriate sutras. After the chanting is over, people present at the ceremony bow at the altar. The family members then thank the visitors for sharing their sorrow by giving them token gifts.
The family can decide upon whether to bury the body or cremate it as per their family beliefs, once all these important rituals are over. These rituals are meant to allow the family to alleviate their sorrow by offering prayers that will raise the deceased to a higher pedestal of enlightenment and knowledge.
These main tenets of Buddhism can be seen in the rituals practised in a Buddhist Funeral. There are certain mandatory rites that need to be adhered to during the funeral of a deceased person. These rites are aimed at ensuring that the departed soul is elevated to a higher stage. Prayers are made calling upon the good energies of the deceased for his or her deliverance from this cycle of life.
The first stage in funeral rites is that of giving the body a traditional wash. Then comes the stage of chanting of religious texts by the priests, thereby directing the soul towards the path of spiritual freedom. The monks recite those teachings of Lord Buddha that talk about the importance of practising mercy and kindness. Meanwhile, the body is prepared for the final rituals. The relatives normally place some coins in the casket of the deceased. This is to pay for the deceased's journey across the mythical River of Three Hells.
Then the casket is displayed to the near and dear ones to enable them to pay their final respects by placing it at the altar. While friends and relatives offer condolences, visitors are expected to pray for the deceased. Priests who perform the rituals continue to recite the appropriate sutras. After the chanting is over, people present at the ceremony bow at the altar. The family members then thank the visitors for sharing their sorrow by giving them token gifts.
The family can decide upon whether to bury the body or cremate it as per their family beliefs, once all these important rituals are over. These rituals are meant to allow the family to alleviate their sorrow by offering prayers that will raise the deceased to a higher pedestal of enlightenment and knowledge.
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