Buddhism is around 2500 years old. Presently, it ranks fourth in terms of number of adherents. It is estimated that there are about 350 million Buddhists around the world. China is noted to have the largest Buddhist population. Unlike several religions that focus on humanity's relationship with God, Buddhism focuses on man's journey for an in-depth understanding of life.
This religion, however, is no different from other religions in that it also has its own sets of beliefs and practices when it comes to matters like deaths. Below are some of the different interesting funeral practices and traditions observed by the various schools of Buddhism.
A lot of Buddhist schools adhere to cremation as the correct body disposal method. Cremation generally signifies the release of the soul of the departed from bondage. This method also prevents attachment to the dead which is seen to be a huge hindrance for the deceased individual's soul to seek new life.
Meanwhile, with regards to the cleaning and dressing of the body, Buddhist tradition urges family members of the deceased to attend to these tasks. The main reason behind this is to ensure that the body is treated with respect and handled with utmost care.
[[These days, though, with the presence of funeral companies that are aware of Buddhist funeral customs and traditions, some families, especially those in Singapore, entrust these concerns to their chosen Funeral services Singapore provider. Basically, what the deceased individual's family does is meet with the funeral director Singapore memorial company has and discuss what they like to happen. From there, the funeral director takes the lead role in organising the funeral.]]
In the Theravada tradition, on funeral day, a white cloth, called a Mataka Vastra, is draped on the coffin by monks. Relatives also participate in blessing their departed by pouring water from a tiny jug into a dish. This practice, which is called Pansakula, is believed to be an act of transferring merit to the departed. After the cremation, alms-giving happens in the funeral home where pumpkin, believed to be excellent for the grieving heart, and salted fish, said to replenish salts lost due to crying, are served.
These are just some of the many funeral beliefs and practices in the Buddhist faith. While there may be variations or differences in practices among the different schools, Buddhist leaders are on the exact same page when it comes to teaching their followers to focus on having funerals that are solemn and not extravagant.
This religion, however, is no different from other religions in that it also has its own sets of beliefs and practices when it comes to matters like deaths. Below are some of the different interesting funeral practices and traditions observed by the various schools of Buddhism.
A lot of Buddhist schools adhere to cremation as the correct body disposal method. Cremation generally signifies the release of the soul of the departed from bondage. This method also prevents attachment to the dead which is seen to be a huge hindrance for the deceased individual's soul to seek new life.
Meanwhile, with regards to the cleaning and dressing of the body, Buddhist tradition urges family members of the deceased to attend to these tasks. The main reason behind this is to ensure that the body is treated with respect and handled with utmost care.
[[These days, though, with the presence of funeral companies that are aware of Buddhist funeral customs and traditions, some families, especially those in Singapore, entrust these concerns to their chosen Funeral services Singapore provider. Basically, what the deceased individual's family does is meet with the funeral director Singapore memorial company has and discuss what they like to happen. From there, the funeral director takes the lead role in organising the funeral.]]
In the Theravada tradition, on funeral day, a white cloth, called a Mataka Vastra, is draped on the coffin by monks. Relatives also participate in blessing their departed by pouring water from a tiny jug into a dish. This practice, which is called Pansakula, is believed to be an act of transferring merit to the departed. After the cremation, alms-giving happens in the funeral home where pumpkin, believed to be excellent for the grieving heart, and salted fish, said to replenish salts lost due to crying, are served.
These are just some of the many funeral beliefs and practices in the Buddhist faith. While there may be variations or differences in practices among the different schools, Buddhist leaders are on the exact same page when it comes to teaching their followers to focus on having funerals that are solemn and not extravagant.
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