The basic teachings of Lord Buddha form the crux of the Buddhist religion which is practised extensively in several nations of the world today. Buddhism involves quest for the Ultimate Truth as well as a spirit of compassion and genuine love for every living being.
These main principles of Buddhism are evident in the rituals followed in a Buddhist Funeral. There are certain mandatory rites that need to be adhered to during the funeral of a dead person. These rites are aimed at ensuring that the departed soul is elevated to a higher stage. Prayers are chanted calling upon the good energies associated with the dead person for his or her deliverance from this cycle of life.
The first stage in funeral rituals is that of giving a traditional wash to the body. Monks are invited to chant different religious scriptures, which are believed to give the deceased the right guidance to achieve spiritual freedom. The monks recite those teachings of Lord Buddha that talk about the significance of practising compassion and kindness. Meanwhile, the body is prepared for the final journey. Friends and family usually place some coins in the casket of the dead person. This is for helping the deceased to pay and wade 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. The relatives and friends give condolences to the dead person's family, while the attendees pray for his soul. Monks who perform the rites continue to recite the appropriate sutras. Everyone present have to bow at the altar when this chanting is completed. After the proceedings, the family members of the deceased give out gifts to the attendees for sharing their sorrow.
The family members can decide upon whether to cremate the body or bury it as per their familial customs, once all these essential rituals are completed. These rituals are meant to allow the family to overcome their sorrow by offering prayers that will raise the dead to a higher stage of enlightenment and knowledge.
These main principles of Buddhism are evident in the rituals followed in a Buddhist Funeral. There are certain mandatory rites that need to be adhered to during the funeral of a dead person. These rites are aimed at ensuring that the departed soul is elevated to a higher stage. Prayers are chanted calling upon the good energies associated with the dead person for his or her deliverance from this cycle of life.
The first stage in funeral rituals is that of giving a traditional wash to the body. Monks are invited to chant different religious scriptures, which are believed to give the deceased the right guidance to achieve spiritual freedom. The monks recite those teachings of Lord Buddha that talk about the significance of practising compassion and kindness. Meanwhile, the body is prepared for the final journey. Friends and family usually place some coins in the casket of the dead person. This is for helping the deceased to pay and wade 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. The relatives and friends give condolences to the dead person's family, while the attendees pray for his soul. Monks who perform the rites continue to recite the appropriate sutras. Everyone present have to bow at the altar when this chanting is completed. After the proceedings, the family members of the deceased give out gifts to the attendees for sharing their sorrow.
The family members can decide upon whether to cremate the body or bury it as per their familial customs, once all these essential rituals are completed. These rituals are meant to allow the family to overcome their sorrow by offering prayers that will raise the dead to a higher stage of enlightenment and knowledge.
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