Buddhism is practiced the world over, the essense of which is derived from the primary teachings of Lord Buddha. Love & mercy for mankind and acknowledgment of the Ultimate truth are necessary in Buddhism.
These basics of Buddhism can be seen in the rites practiced in a Buddhist funeral. When a Buddhist person passes, to make sure that his soul gets to a higher level in the next life, mandatory rituals should be observed. Prayers are used to invoke the good energies of the deceased, ensuring his deliverance from this life and wishing him the best for the next life.
The first task in funeral rituals involves giving the body a traditional bath. Monks are invited to chant different religious text, which are believed to give the soul the right guidance to achieve spiritual freedom. Then the Lord Buddha's teachings that emphasize on the importance of kindness and compassion are read out loud by the monks. Meanwhile, the body is prepared for the final journey. The deceased is then provided with some coins placed in his casket by the family. This is done to pay for the deceased's journey across the River of Three Hells.
After which, the casket is displayed to the near and dear ones to let 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 ceremony is accompanied with chanting of relevant sutras by the monks. Everyone present have to bow at the altar when this chanting is completed. The family members then thank the visitors for sharing their sorrow by distributing gifts to them.
After these rituals are carried out, the body may then be either cremated or buried according to the beliefs of the family. These rites are meant to allow the family to overcome their sorrow by offering prayers that will raise the dead to a higher pedestal of religious being.
These basics of Buddhism can be seen in the rites practiced in a Buddhist funeral. When a Buddhist person passes, to make sure that his soul gets to a higher level in the next life, mandatory rituals should be observed. Prayers are used to invoke the good energies of the deceased, ensuring his deliverance from this life and wishing him the best for the next life.
The first task in funeral rituals involves giving the body a traditional bath. Monks are invited to chant different religious text, which are believed to give the soul the right guidance to achieve spiritual freedom. Then the Lord Buddha's teachings that emphasize on the importance of kindness and compassion are read out loud by the monks. Meanwhile, the body is prepared for the final journey. The deceased is then provided with some coins placed in his casket by the family. This is done to pay for the deceased's journey across the River of Three Hells.
After which, the casket is displayed to the near and dear ones to let 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 ceremony is accompanied with chanting of relevant sutras by the monks. Everyone present have to bow at the altar when this chanting is completed. The family members then thank the visitors for sharing their sorrow by distributing gifts to them.
After these rituals are carried out, the body may then be either cremated or buried according to the beliefs of the family. These rites are meant to allow the family to overcome their sorrow by offering prayers that will raise the dead to a higher pedestal of religious being.
About the Author:
Our professional funeral directors can arrange Christian funeral or Buddhist funeral, and other religious funerals. We have the experience arranging for rituals that are characteristic of religious funeral services.
No comments:
Post a Comment