The basic teachings of the Buddha form the crux of the Buddhist religion which is the main religion in several parts of the world today. The followers of Buddhism are expected to display unconditional love for all and try to realize the Ultimate Truth.
These main tenets 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 deceased person. These rites are aimed at ensuring that the departed soul is elevated to a higher stage. 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 rituals is that of giving the body a traditional wash. The second stage entails presence of monks, who read out religious scriptures and thereby help the soul in finding eternity. The monks recite those sermons of the Buddha that talk about the importance of practising compassion and kindness. Meanwhile, the body is prepared for the last journey. Friends and family usually place some money in the casket of the deceased person. This is for helping the dead person to pay and go across the River of Three Hells.
The casket is then put 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 attendees pray for his soul. The ceremony is accompanied with chanting of relevant sutras by the monks. Everyone present have to bow at the altar when this recital is over. The family members then thank the visitors for shouldering their grief by distributing gifts to them.
The family members can decide upon whether to bury the body or cremate it according to their family beliefs, once all these important rituals are completed. In all, the rituals aim to bring a sense of peace and acceptance to the bereaved family while praying in order to elevate the dead to a higher stage of knowledge and enlightenment.
These main tenets 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 deceased person. These rites are aimed at ensuring that the departed soul is elevated to a higher stage. 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 rituals is that of giving the body a traditional wash. The second stage entails presence of monks, who read out religious scriptures and thereby help the soul in finding eternity. The monks recite those sermons of the Buddha that talk about the importance of practising compassion and kindness. Meanwhile, the body is prepared for the last journey. Friends and family usually place some money in the casket of the deceased person. This is for helping the dead person to pay and go across the River of Three Hells.
The casket is then put 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 attendees pray for his soul. The ceremony is accompanied with chanting of relevant sutras by the monks. Everyone present have to bow at the altar when this recital is over. The family members then thank the visitors for shouldering their grief by distributing gifts to them.
The family members can decide upon whether to bury the body or cremate it according to their family beliefs, once all these important rituals are completed. In all, the rituals aim to bring a sense of peace and acceptance to the bereaved family while praying in order to elevate the dead to a higher stage of knowledge and enlightenment.
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