The fundamental teachings of the Buddha form the crux of the Buddhist religion which is practised extensively in several parts of the world today. Buddhism calls for compassion and love for mankind and awareness of the Ultimate Truth.
These fundamentals of Buddhism are reflected in the rituals followed during a Buddhist funeral. There are certain compulsory rituals that have to be adhered to during the funeral of a deceased person. These rites are aimed at ensuring that the departed soul is raised to a higher stage. The good energies of the dead are invoked to pray and wish the best for the dead person's next life beyond this birth.
A traditional bath to the deceased marks the beginning of the Buddhist funeral rituals. The second stage entails invitation of monks, who read out religious scriptures and thereby aid the deceased in finding eternity. The teachings of the Buddha, which speak of the value of goodness and compassion in daily life, are read aloud. Meanwhile, the body is made ready for the final journey. Friends and family members often place some coins in the casket of the deceased person. This is supposed to help the deceased cross the River of Three Hells to reach his ultimate destination.
Then the friends and relatives pay their last respects to the deceased as the casket is put at the altar. While friends and relatives give condolences, visitors are expected to pray for the deceased. The monks carrying out the ritual keep reciting the sutras along with the proceedings. After the completion of recitals, people present at the ceremony bow at the altar. As the visitors start leaving, the family members present a gift to each other to show gratitude for partaking in their sorrow.
Once these rites are completed, the family members can decide to bury or cremate the deceased based on their family customs. The different ceremonies are a means of bringing peace and acceptance to the family members of the departed as they know their prayers are directed towards elevating the status of the departed in his after life.
These fundamentals of Buddhism are reflected in the rituals followed during a Buddhist funeral. There are certain compulsory rituals that have to be adhered to during the funeral of a deceased person. These rites are aimed at ensuring that the departed soul is raised to a higher stage. The good energies of the dead are invoked to pray and wish the best for the dead person's next life beyond this birth.
A traditional bath to the deceased marks the beginning of the Buddhist funeral rituals. The second stage entails invitation of monks, who read out religious scriptures and thereby aid the deceased in finding eternity. The teachings of the Buddha, which speak of the value of goodness and compassion in daily life, are read aloud. Meanwhile, the body is made ready for the final journey. Friends and family members often place some coins in the casket of the deceased person. This is supposed to help the deceased cross the River of Three Hells to reach his ultimate destination.
Then the friends and relatives pay their last respects to the deceased as the casket is put at the altar. While friends and relatives give condolences, visitors are expected to pray for the deceased. The monks carrying out the ritual keep reciting the sutras along with the proceedings. After the completion of recitals, people present at the ceremony bow at the altar. As the visitors start leaving, the family members present a gift to each other to show gratitude for partaking in their sorrow.
Once these rites are completed, the family members can decide to bury or cremate the deceased based on their family customs. The different ceremonies are a means of bringing peace and acceptance to the family members of the departed as they know their prayers are directed towards elevating the status of the departed in his after life.
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