An individual's demise marks his or her transitions from this life to the next one; this is a precept of the Buddhist belief system. For the persons left behind, the demise of a loved one serves a reminder about the temporary state of everything in this world. The Buddhist funeral rites aim to share the message that the deceased person's transition to rebirth will be governed by the karmic forces at work.
No matter what spiritual upbringing individuals have, sorrow is still a common feeling when loved ones depart this world. The religion in which a person belongs to can offer a ritual of relinquishing in order to assist those who are left behind to be able to accept a family member's demise.
Buddhism is one of the most popular religions practised across the world. The basic tenets of the religion are based on the teachings of Lord Buddha. Buddhism calls for mercy and universal love for mankind and awareness of the Ultimate Truth.
These fundamentals of Buddhism are evident in the rites practised during a Buddhist funeral. When death occurs in a Buddhist family, there are some main rituals which are practised with the purpose of ensuring that the deceased's soul can soar to an elevated stage. Prayers are done invoking the goodness of the deceased person and hopes are made for a blissful life after death for the departed.
The funeral rites start with giving the deceased a traditional wash. The second stage entails invitation of monks, who read out religious texts and thereby help the soul in finding liberation. The monks recite those sermons of Lord Buddha that talk about the importance of practising mercy and kindness. Meanwhile, the deceased is made ready for the final journey. The deceased is generally provided with some money placed in his casket by the family members. This is to pay for the deceased's journey 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. Attendees are required to pray for the deceased and the family and friends offer their condolences. Monks who carry out the rituals continue to recite the appropriate sutras. The attendees present have to bow before the altar when this chanting is over. As the visitors begin leaving, the family members give a gift to each other to show gratitude for sharing their sorrow.
Once these rituals are over, the family can decide to bury or cremate the deceased according to their family customs. The different ceremonies are a means of bringing peace to the family of the departed as they know their prayers are aimed at elevating the status of the departed in his life after death.
No matter what spiritual upbringing individuals have, sorrow is still a common feeling when loved ones depart this world. The religion in which a person belongs to can offer a ritual of relinquishing in order to assist those who are left behind to be able to accept a family member's demise.
Buddhism is one of the most popular religions practised across the world. The basic tenets of the religion are based on the teachings of Lord Buddha. Buddhism calls for mercy and universal love for mankind and awareness of the Ultimate Truth.
These fundamentals of Buddhism are evident in the rites practised during a Buddhist funeral. When death occurs in a Buddhist family, there are some main rituals which are practised with the purpose of ensuring that the deceased's soul can soar to an elevated stage. Prayers are done invoking the goodness of the deceased person and hopes are made for a blissful life after death for the departed.
The funeral rites start with giving the deceased a traditional wash. The second stage entails invitation of monks, who read out religious texts and thereby help the soul in finding liberation. The monks recite those sermons of Lord Buddha that talk about the importance of practising mercy and kindness. Meanwhile, the deceased is made ready for the final journey. The deceased is generally provided with some money placed in his casket by the family members. This is to pay for the deceased's journey 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. Attendees are required to pray for the deceased and the family and friends offer their condolences. Monks who carry out the rituals continue to recite the appropriate sutras. The attendees present have to bow before the altar when this chanting is over. As the visitors begin leaving, the family members give a gift to each other to show gratitude for sharing their sorrow.
Once these rituals are over, the family can decide to bury or cremate the deceased according to their family customs. The different ceremonies are a means of bringing peace to the family of the departed as they know their prayers are aimed at elevating the status of the departed in his life after death.
About the Author:
Dealing with providers of caskets and funeral needs can be difficult for people who are closest to the deceased person. Tips on how to choose the appropriate funeral services for your deceased loved ones can be found in this website.. Also published at The Ritual Of Letting Go And Funeral Rites In The Buddhist Custom.
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