Buddhism is one of the most popular religions practised across the world. The main principles of the religion are based on the teachings of Lord Buddha. The followers of Buddhism are expected to show boundless love for all and try to realize the Ultimate Truth.
These main tenets of Buddhism are evident in the rituals practised in a Buddhist Funeral. There are certain mandatory rites that have to be followed during the funeral of a deceased person. These rites are aimed at ensuring that the departed soul is raised to a higher stage. Prayers are made calling upon the positive energies of the deceased for his or her ultimate deliverance from this life cycle.
The first stage in funeral rituals is that of giving the body a traditional wash. Buddhist monks read out from religious scriptures, and these chants are believed to give the soul the correct guidance to achieve spiritual freedom. The teachings of the Buddha, which speak of the value of goodness and compassion in daily life, are read aloud. Meanwhile, the deceased is made ready for the final rites. Friends and family members usually keep some money in the casket of the dead person. This is for enabling the dead person to pay and wade across the River of Three Hells.
The casket is then put before the altar at home for friends and relatives to pay their respects. The relatives and friends give condolences to the dead person’s family, while the visitors pray for his soul. Monks who carry out the rituals continue to chant the appropriate sutras. Everyone present have to bow at the altar when this chanting is completed. The family members then thank the attendees for sharing their grief by distributing gifts to them.
After these rituals are carried out, the deceased may then be either cremated or buried according to the beliefs of the family members. These rituals are meant to allow the family to alleviate their grief by offering prayers that will raise the deceased to a higher stage of enlightenment and knowledge.
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