Buddhism is one of the most popular religions practised across the world. The main principles of the religion have been derived from the teachings of Lord Buddha. People who practise Buddhism are expected to show boundless love for all and try to attain the Ultimate Truth.
Buddhist funeral rituals are also based upon these basic principles of the religion. There are certain mandatory rites that need to be followed during the funeral of a deceased person. These rites are aimed at ensuring that the deceased is raised to a higher stage. Prayers are made calling upon the good energies associated with the deceased for his or her ultimate deliverance from this cycle of life.
The first stage in funeral rites is that of giving the body a traditional wash. Buddhist monks chant different religious scriptures, which are believed to give the deceased the correct guidance to achieve spiritual freedom. Then the Lord Buddha's teachings that highlight the significance of kindness and concern are recited aloud by the monks. Meanwhile, the body is made ready for the final journey. The deceased is usually provided with some money put in his casket by the family. This is done to pay for the deceased's journey across the River of Three Hells.
Then the casket is displayed to the family and friends to allow them to pay their respects by putting it at the altar. While friends and relatives offer condolences, visitors are expected to offer prayers for the deceased. The proceeding is accompanied with recitation of relevant sutras by the monks. Everyone present have to bow at the altar when this chanting is completed. After the ceremony, the family members of the deceased distribute gifts to the visitors for sharing their grief.
Once these rites are over, the family members can decide to cremate or bury the deceased based on their family beliefs. These rituals are meant to enable the family to alleviate their grief by offering prayers that will elevate the deceased to a higher pedestal of enlightenment and knowledge.
Buddhist funeral rituals are also based upon these basic principles of the religion. There are certain mandatory rites that need to be followed during the funeral of a deceased person. These rites are aimed at ensuring that the deceased is raised to a higher stage. Prayers are made calling upon the good energies associated with the deceased for his or her ultimate deliverance from this cycle of life.
The first stage in funeral rites is that of giving the body a traditional wash. Buddhist monks chant different religious scriptures, which are believed to give the deceased the correct guidance to achieve spiritual freedom. Then the Lord Buddha's teachings that highlight the significance of kindness and concern are recited aloud by the monks. Meanwhile, the body is made ready for the final journey. The deceased is usually provided with some money put in his casket by the family. This is done to pay for the deceased's journey across the River of Three Hells.
Then the casket is displayed to the family and friends to allow them to pay their respects by putting it at the altar. While friends and relatives offer condolences, visitors are expected to offer prayers for the deceased. The proceeding is accompanied with recitation of relevant sutras by the monks. Everyone present have to bow at the altar when this chanting is completed. After the ceremony, the family members of the deceased distribute gifts to the visitors for sharing their grief.
Once these rites are over, the family members can decide to cremate or bury the deceased based on their family beliefs. These rituals are meant to enable the family to alleviate their grief by offering prayers that will elevate the deceased to a higher pedestal of enlightenment and knowledge.
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