The Significance Of Buddhist Funeral Rituals
The fundamental teachings of the Buddha form the core of the Buddhist religion which is practised extensively in many nations of the world today. The followers of Buddhism are expected to show unconditional love for all and try to attain the Ultimate Truth.
These main principles of Buddhism can be seen in the rites followed in a Buddhist Funeral. When someone dies in a Buddhist family, there are some main rites which are followed with the aim of ensuring that the deceased's soul can soar to an elevated stage. Prayers are offered invoking the goodness of the departed soul and wishes are made for a peaceful life after death for the departed.
The funeral rites begin with giving the dead person a traditional ablution. Monks are invited to read out from religious scriptures, which are believed to give the deceased the right guidance to attain spiritual freedom. The monks read out those sermons of Lord Buddha that talk about the importance of practising mercy and kindness. In the meantime, the body is made ready for the last journey. Friends and family members often place some money in the casket of the deceased person. This is for enabling the deceased to pay and wade across the River of Three Hells.
Then the casket is displayed to the family and friends to allow them to pay their respects by putting it at the altar. Attendees are required to pray for the dead person and the family and friends offer their condolences. The proceeding is accompanied with recitation of relevant sutras by the monks. The attendees present have to bow before the altar when this recital is completed. As the visitors begin leaving, the family members give a gift to each other to show gratitude for sharing their sorrow.
Once these rituals are done, the deceased may then be either buried or cremated in accordance with the beliefs of the family members. These rites are meant to enable the family to overcome their grief by offering prayers that will raise the deceased to a higher pedestal of enlightenment and knowledge.
These main principles of Buddhism can be seen in the rites followed in a Buddhist Funeral. When someone dies in a Buddhist family, there are some main rites which are followed with the aim of ensuring that the deceased's soul can soar to an elevated stage. Prayers are offered invoking the goodness of the departed soul and wishes are made for a peaceful life after death for the departed.
The funeral rites begin with giving the dead person a traditional ablution. Monks are invited to read out from religious scriptures, which are believed to give the deceased the right guidance to attain spiritual freedom. The monks read out those sermons of Lord Buddha that talk about the importance of practising mercy and kindness. In the meantime, the body is made ready for the last journey. Friends and family members often place some money in the casket of the deceased person. This is for enabling the deceased to pay and wade across the River of Three Hells.
Then the casket is displayed to the family and friends to allow them to pay their respects by putting it at the altar. Attendees are required to pray for the dead person and the family and friends offer their condolences. The proceeding is accompanied with recitation of relevant sutras by the monks. The attendees present have to bow before the altar when this recital is completed. As the visitors begin leaving, the family members give a gift to each other to show gratitude for sharing their sorrow.
Once these rituals are done, the deceased may then be either buried or cremated in accordance with the beliefs of the family members. These rites are meant to enable the family to overcome their grief by offering prayers that will raise the deceased to a higher pedestal of enlightenment and knowledge.
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