What Is The Relevance Of The Rituals In A Buddhist Funeral
The basic teachings of the Buddha form the core of the Buddhist religion which is the main religion in several nations of the world today. The followers of Buddhism are expected to show boundless love for all and try to realize the Ultimate Truth.
These fundamentals of Buddhism are reflected in the rituals practised during a Buddhist funeral. There are certain mandatory rites that need to be followed during the funeral of a dead person. These rites are meant to ensure that the deceased is elevated to a higher stage. Prayers are offered invoking the goodness of the deceased person and wishes are made for a peaceful life after death for the departed.
The first task in funeral rites is that of giving the body a traditional wash. Then comes the stage of chanting of religious texts by the priests, thereby guiding the soul to the path of spiritual liberation. The teachings of Lord Buddha, which speak of the value of practising virtue and compassion in daily life, are read aloud. Meanwhile, the body is made ready for the final rites. The deceased is generally provided with some coins placed in his casket by the family. This is for enabling the dead person to pay and go across the River of Three Hells.
Then the casket is displayed to the family and friends to enable them to pay their respects by placing it at the altar. While friends and relatives offer condolences, attendees are expected to offer prayers for the deceased. The proceeding is accompanied with chanting of relevant sutras by the monks. After the chanting is over, people attending the ceremony bow at the altar. The family members then thank the attendees for sharing their grief by distributing gifts to them.
Once these rites are completed, the family members can decide to cremate or bury the deceased based on their family customs. These rituals are meant to enable the family to overcome their grief by offering prayers that will raise the dead to a higher pedestal of enlightenment and knowledge.
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