Online StoreThe Significance Of Buddhist Funeral Rituals
Buddhism is one of the most popular religions practised extensively across the globe. The basic principles of the religion have been derived from the teachings of Buddha. Buddhism entails quest for the Ultimate Truth as well as a sense of compassion and true love for every living being.
These fundamentals of Buddhism are reflected in the rites practised during a Buddhist funeral. When death occurs in a Buddhist family, there are some main rituals which are followed with the aim of ensuring that the soul of the departed can ascend to an elevated level. Prayers are offered invoking the goodness of the deceased person and wishes are made for a peaceful life after death for the deceased.
The first task in funeral rites is that of giving the body a traditional wash. After that comes the stage of reading out from religious texts by the priests, thereby guiding the soul towards the path of spiritual liberation. The monks recite those sermons of the Buddha that talk about the significance of practising compassion and kindness. Meanwhile, the body is made ready for the last journey. Friends and family members usually place some coins in the casket of the deceased person. This is done to pay for the deceased’s journey across the River of Three Hells.
Then the friends and family come and pay their last respects to the deceased as the casket is placed at the altar. While friends and relatives give condolences, attendees are expected to offer prayers for the deceased. The monks carrying out the ritual keep reciting the sutras along with the proceedings. Once the recital is complete, people bow at the altar to pay their final regards. The family members then thank the visitors for shouldering their sorrow by giving them token gifts.
After these rituals are done, the deceased may then be either buried or cremated in accordance with the beliefs of the family members. In all, the rituals 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.
Our professional funeral directors can arrange Christian funeral or Buddhist funeral, and other religious funerals. We have the experience arranging for rituals that are characteristic of religious funeral services.. Unique version for reprint here: The Significance Of Buddhist Funeral Rituals.
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