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. 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 fundamental principles of the religion. When someone dies in a Buddhist family, there are some basic rituals which are followed with the aim of ensuring that the deceased’s soul can ascend to an elevated level. The positive energies of the deceased are evoked to pray and wish the best for the deceased’s next life beyond this birth.
The funeral rituals start with giving the deceased a traditional ablution. After that comes the stage of chanting of religious texts by the priests, thereby guiding the soul to the path of spiritual liberation. The monks recite those sermons of the Buddha that talk about the significance of practising compassion and kindness. Meanwhile, the body is prepared for the final rites. Friends and family members often place some coins in the casket of the deceased person. This is for helping the dead person to pay and go across the River of Three Hells.
Then the friends and family pay their last respects to the deceased as the casket is put at the altar. The relatives and friends give condolences to the deceased’s family, while the visitors pray for his soul. The ceremony is accompanied with chanting of relevant sutras by the priests. Once the recital is complete, people bow at the altar to pay their last respects. As the visitors start leaving, the family members give a gift to each other to show gratitude for partaking in their sorrow.
Once these rites are over, the family members can decide to bury or cremate the deceased according to their family customs. The different ceremonies are a means of bringing peace to the family members of the departed as they know their prayers are directed towards elevating the status of the deceased in his life after death.
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