Buddhist Funeral Rites And Their Significances

December 22nd, 2009

Buddhist Funeral Rites And Their Significances

The basic teachings of the Lord Buddha form the core of the Buddhist religion which is practiced in many countries in the world today. Buddhism demands mercy & love for mankind and realization of the Ultimate Truth.

These Buddhist teachings are apparent in the rites seen in a Buddhist funeral. Certain mandatory rites should be observed once a person Buddhist person passes away, to make sure that their soul gets elevated to a higher level in their next life. Prayers are used to invoke the good energies of the deceased, ensuring his or her deliverance from this life and wishing them the best for the next.

The first stage in funeral rituals is that of giving a traditional wash to the body. Then comes the stage of chanting of religious texts by the monks, thereby directing the soul towards the path of spiritual freedom. Then the Lord Buddha’s teachings that highlight the significance of kindness and compassion are read out loud by the monks. Meanwhile, the deceased is prepared for the final journey. Friends and family usually keep some coins in the casket of the deceased person. This is to pay for the dead person’s journey across the mythical River of Three Hells.

The casket is then put before the altar in the house for the loved ones to pay their respects. Attendees are expected to pray for the dead person and the family and relatives give their condolences. The proceeding is accompanied with chanting of relevant sutras by the monks. Everyone present have to bow before the altar when this recital is over. The family members then thank the visitors for shouldering their grief by distributing gifts to them.

The family members can decide upon whether to bury the body or cremate it according to their family beliefs, once all these essential rituals are over. In all, the rites aim to bring a sense of acceptance and peace to the grieving family while praying in order to elevate the dead to a higher stage of knowledge and realization.

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