Buddhism is one of the most popular religions practised across the world. The main tenets of the religion have been derived from the teachings of Buddha. People who practise Buddhism are expected to show unconditional love for all and try to attain the Ultimate Truth.
Buddhist funeral rituals also rely on these basic principles of the religion. There are certain mandatory rites that need to be followed during the funeral of a dead person. These rites are meant to ensure that the deceased is elevated to a higher stage. Prayers are made calling upon the positive energies associated with the dead person for his or her ultimate deliverance from this life cycle.
The first task in funeral rituals is that of giving the body a traditional wash. After that comes the stage of reading out from religious texts by the priests, thereby directing the soul towards the path of spiritual liberation. Then the Lord Buddha's teachings that highlight the significance of kindness and concern are read out loud by the monks. Meanwhile, the body is made ready for the last journey. Friends and family often place some coins in the casket of the dead person. This is to pay for the dead person's journey across the River of Three Hells.
The casket is then placed before the altar in the house for the loved ones to pay their respects. The relatives and friends offer condolences to the deceased's family, while the visitors pray for his soul. Priests who carry out the rites continue to recite the appropriate sutras. Once the recital is complete, people bow before the altar to pay their final regards. The family members then thank the visitors for sharing their grief by giving them token gifts.
Once these rites are completed, the family members can decide to bury or cremate the deceased based on their family customs. In all, the rituals aim to bring a sense of peace and acceptance to the bereaved family while praying to promote the departed to a higher state of knowledge and enlightenment.
Buddhist funeral rituals also rely on these basic principles of the religion. There are certain mandatory rites that need to be followed during the funeral of a dead person. These rites are meant to ensure that the deceased is elevated to a higher stage. Prayers are made calling upon the positive energies associated with the dead person for his or her ultimate deliverance from this life cycle.
The first task in funeral rituals is that of giving the body a traditional wash. After that comes the stage of reading out from religious texts by the priests, thereby directing the soul towards the path of spiritual liberation. Then the Lord Buddha's teachings that highlight the significance of kindness and concern are read out loud by the monks. Meanwhile, the body is made ready for the last journey. Friends and family often place some coins in the casket of the dead person. This is to pay for the dead person's journey across the River of Three Hells.
The casket is then placed before the altar in the house for the loved ones to pay their respects. The relatives and friends offer condolences to the deceased's family, while the visitors pray for his soul. Priests who carry out the rites continue to recite the appropriate sutras. Once the recital is complete, people bow before the altar to pay their final regards. The family members then thank the visitors for sharing their grief by giving them token gifts.
Once these rites are completed, the family members can decide to bury or cremate the deceased based on their family customs. In all, the rituals aim to bring a sense of peace and acceptance to the bereaved family while praying to promote the departed to a higher state of knowledge and enlightenment.
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