The Significance Of Buddhist Funeral Rites
One of the most widely practised religions in the world, Buddhism derives its main principles from the preaching of the Buddha. People who practise Buddhism are expected to show unconditional love for all and try to attain the Ultimate Truth.
These main tenets of Buddhism are evident in the rites practised in a Buddhist funeral. After a person dies in a Buddhist family, certain rites have to be followed in order to make sure that the departed soul is elevated to a higher stage in afterlife. Prayers are chanted invoking the good energies of the dead person for his or her deliverance from this life cycle.
The funeral rituals begin with giving the dead person a traditional ablution. After that comes the stage of chanting of religious texts by the priests, thereby directing the soul towards the path of spiritual liberation. The teachings of Lord Buddha, which speak of the value of goodness and compassion in life, are read aloud. Meanwhile, the deceased is prepared for the final rites. The relatives generally place some coins in the casket of the deceased. This is supposed to help the dead person cross the River of Three Hells to reach his ultimate destination.
Then the friends and relatives come and pay their last respects to the deceased as the casket is put at the altar. While friends and relatives give condolences, attendees are expected to offer prayers for the dead person. The proceeding is accompanied with chanting of relevant sutras by the priests. After the completion of recitals, people attending the ceremony bow at the altar. The family members then thank the attendees for shouldering their sorrow by giving them token gifts.
The family members can decide upon whether to cremate the body or bury it according to their familial customs, once all these important rituals are over. The rites and rituals are a means of bringing peace and acceptance to the family of the departed as they know their prayers are aimed at elevating the status of the deceased in his life after death.
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Posted: June 9th, 2010 under Business.
Tags: Buddhist funeral, Business, Catholic funeral, funeral directors, funeral services, undertakers