The Importance Of Buddhist Funeral Rites

One of the most widespread religions in the world, Buddhism derives its fundamental principles from the preaching of the Buddha. Buddhism involves quest for the Ultimate Truth and also a sense of compassion and genuine love for every creature.

Buddhist funeral rituals also rely on these fundamental tenets of the religion. When death occurs in a Buddhist family, there are some basic rituals which are followed with the aim of ensuring that the soul of the departed can ascend to an elevated stage. Prayers are made calling upon the good energies of the deceased for his or her deliverance from this cycle of life.

The first stage in funeral rites is that of giving the body a traditional wash. Then comes the stage of chanting of religious scriptures by the monks, thereby guiding the soul towards the path of spiritual liberation. The teachings of the Buddha, which speak of the value of practising virtue and compassion in daily life, are read aloud. Meanwhile, the deceased is prepared for the final rites. The deceased is generally provided with some money placed in his casket by the family members. This is for enabling the deceased to pay and go across the River of Three Hells.

The casket is then placed before the altar at home for the loved ones to pay their respects. The relatives and friends give condolences to the deceased’s family, while the attendees pray for his soul. The proceeding is accompanied with recitation of relevant sutras by the priests. Everyone present have to bow at the altar when this chanting is completed. After the ceremony, the family members of the deceased give out gifts to the visitors for sharing their grief.

Once these rites are completed, the family members can decide to bury or cremate the body based on their family beliefs. These rites are meant to enable the family to overcome their sorrow by offering prayers that will elevate the deceased to a higher pedestal of enlightenment and knowledge.

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