One of the most widely practised religions on earth, Buddhism derives its main principles from the teachings of the Buddha. Buddhism teaches compassion and love for all creatures and awareness of the Ultimate Truth.
These basic principles of Buddhism can be seen in the rites practised in a Buddhist Funeral. When death occurs in a Buddhist family, there are some basic rites which are followed with the aim of ensuring that the deceased's soul can soar to an elevated level. Prayers are made invoking the good energies associated with the dead person for his or her deliverance from this life cycle.
The first stage in funeral rituals is that of giving the body a traditional wash. The next stage entails invitation of monks, who read out religious scriptures and thereby aid the soul in finding liberation. The teachings of the Buddha, which speak of the value of goodness and compassion in life, are read aloud. Meanwhile, the body is prepared for the last journey. Friends and family usually keep some money in the casket of the deceased person. This is for enabling the dead person to pay and go across the River of Three Hells.
Then the casket is exhibited to the near and dear ones to allow them to pay their final respects by putting it at the altar. The relatives and friends give condolences to the dead person's family, while the visitors pray for his soul. The priests carrying out the rites keep chanting the sutras as the proceedings move on. Once the recital is complete, people bow at the altar to pay their final regards. As the visitors start leaving, the family members give a gift to each other to show gratitude for partaking in their sorrow.
After these rituals are done, the body may then be either buried or cremated in accordance with the beliefs of the family. These rites are meant to allow the family to alleviate their grief by offering prayers that will elevate the dead to a higher pedestal of enlightenment and knowledge.
These basic principles of Buddhism can be seen in the rites practised in a Buddhist Funeral. When death occurs in a Buddhist family, there are some basic rites which are followed with the aim of ensuring that the deceased's soul can soar to an elevated level. Prayers are made invoking the good energies associated with the dead person for his or her deliverance from this life cycle.
The first stage in funeral rituals is that of giving the body a traditional wash. The next stage entails invitation of monks, who read out religious scriptures and thereby aid the soul in finding liberation. The teachings of the Buddha, which speak of the value of goodness and compassion in life, are read aloud. Meanwhile, the body is prepared for the last journey. Friends and family usually keep some money in the casket of the deceased person. This is for enabling the dead person to pay and go across the River of Three Hells.
Then the casket is exhibited to the near and dear ones to allow them to pay their final respects by putting it at the altar. The relatives and friends give condolences to the dead person's family, while the visitors pray for his soul. The priests carrying out the rites keep chanting the sutras as the proceedings move on. Once the recital is complete, people bow at the altar to pay their final regards. As the visitors start leaving, the family members give a gift to each other to show gratitude for partaking in their sorrow.
After these rituals are done, the body may then be either buried or cremated in accordance with the beliefs of the family. These rites are meant to allow the family to alleviate their grief by offering prayers that will elevate the dead to a higher pedestal of enlightenment and knowledge.
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