The Significance Of Rites In A Buddhists Funeral
Buddhism is one of the most popular religions practised extensively across the globe. The basic principles of the religion are based on the teachings of Lord Buddha. Buddhism entails quest for the Ultimate Truth and also a sense of compassion and true love for every living being.
These main tenets of Buddhism can be seen in the rituals practised in a Buddhist Funeral. There are certain compulsory rituals that have to be followed during the funeral of a dead person. These rites are aimed at ensuring that the deceased is elevated to a higher stage. Prayers are made calling upon the positive energies associated with the deceased for his or her deliverance from this life cycle.
The first task in funeral rituals is that of giving the body a traditional wash. Buddhist monks chant different religious scriptures, which are believed to give the soul the right guidance to attain spiritual liberation. Then Buddha’s teachings that highlight the importance of kindness and compassion are read out loud by the monks. The body is meanwhile made ready for the final rites. The relatives generally place some coins in the casket along with the deceased. This is done to pay for the dead person’s journey across the River of Three Hells.
Then the friends and relatives come and pay their last respects to the deceased as the casket is put at the altar. Visitors are expected to pray for the dead person and the family and friends offer their condolences. The monks carrying out the rites keep reciting the sutras along with the proceedings. The attendees present have to bow at the altar when this chanting is over. After the proceedings, the family members of the deceased distribute gifts to the attendees for sharing their grief.
Once these rituals are done, the deceased may then be either buried or cremated in accordance with the beliefs of the family members. In all, the rituals aim to bring a sense of peace and acceptance to the bereaved family while praying to promote the departed to a higher state of knowledge and enlightenment.
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