The fundamental teachings of the Buddha form the core of the Buddhist religion which is practised extensively in many parts of the world today. People who practise Buddhism are expected to display boundless love for all and try to realize the Ultimate Truth.
These main principles of Buddhism are evident in the rites practised in a Buddhist Funeral. When death occurs in a Buddhist family, there are some main rituals which are followed with the objective of ensuring that the soul of the departed can ascend to an elevated stage. Prayers are chanted invoking the positive energies of the dead person for his or her deliverance from this cycle of life.
The funeral rites begin with giving the dead person a traditional wash. After that comes the stage of reading out from religious texts by the priests, thereby guiding the soul towards the path of spiritual freedom. The teachings of Lord Buddha, which speak of the value of goodness and compassion in daily life, are read aloud. In the meantime, the body is made ready for the last journey. Friends and family often place some coins in the casket of the deceased person. This is for enabling the dead person to pay and wade across the River of Three Hells.
Then the casket is exhibited to the near and dear ones to enable them to pay their respects by placing it at the altar. The relatives and friends offer condolences to the dead person’s family, while the visitors pray for his soul. Priests who carry out the rites continue to chant the appropriate sutras. Once the chanting is over, people bow at the altar to pay their final regards. As the visitors begin leaving, the family members give a gift to each other to show gratitude for sharing their sorrow.
Once these rituals are completed, the family members can decide to bury or cremate the body according to their family customs. These rites are meant to allow the family to overcome their sorrow by offering prayers that will elevate the dead to a higher pedestal of enlightenment and knowledge.
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