The demise of an individual, in Buddhist custom, signifies his or her transition from this life to the next. For those who are left behind, a person's death will remind them that nothing is permanent in this life and in this world. The Buddhist funeral rites intend to pass on the message that the departed's transition to rebirth will be governed by the karmic forces at work.
Whatever spiritual background we all have, deep sadness is still a common feeling when persons close to us depart this world. The religion in which a person belongs to can offer a rite of letting go in order to help those who are left behind to come to terms with a family member's demise.
One of the most widespread religions on earth, Buddhism derives its fundamental principles from the teachings of Lord Buddha. Buddhism involves search for the Ultimate Truth and also a spirit of compassion and true love for every creature.
Buddhist funeral rites are also based upon these fundamental principles of the religion. There are certain compulsory rituals that need to be adhered to during the funeral of a deceased person. These rites are meant to ensure that the departed soul is elevated to a higher stage. The positive energies of the dead are evoked to pray and wish the best for the dead person's life cycle beyond this birth.
The first stage in funeral rites is that of giving the body a traditional wash. Buddhist monks chant different religious scriptures, and these chants are believed to give the deceased the correct guidance to attain spiritual liberation. Then Buddha's teachings that highlight the significance of kindness and concern are read out loud by the monks. Meanwhile, the body is prepared for the final journey. 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 friends and relatives pay their last respects to the deceased as the casket is put at the altar. Visitors are expected to pray for the dead person and the family and relatives offer their condolences. The monks carrying out the rites keep reciting the sutras along with the proceedings. After the chanting is over, people present at the ceremony bow at the altar. As the visitors begin leaving, the family members present a gift to each other to display gratitude for sharing their sorrow.
Once these rites are completed, the family members can decide to cremate or bury the deceased according to their family customs. These rituals are meant to enable 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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