Buddhist Funerals – Significance And Traditions
A Buddhist funeral consists of elaborate last rites carried out according to sacrosanct rituals and traditions. The funeral ceremony, according to Buddhism, signifies the liberation of the deceased person’s soul, which was trapped in the futility of existence, and its quest for a new life thereafter.
Monks are invited to perform the ceremonies and rituals during a Buddhist funeral, which typically ends with cremation. After a person has breathed his last, the monks chant from the holy verses which are expected to free the soul’s positive energies. While the chanting is on, the deceased is made ready for the funeral and for friends and relatives to bid a final adieu, so that there is no decomposition even if the final rites are delayed. After bathing the body, it is put in a casket with candles, wreaths, fragrant incense and a picture of the deceased person.
The Abhidharma, a holy Buddhist scripture is read everyday by visiting Buddhist monks during the funeral period even when the cremation is delayed to wait for the visitors from far away places.
The Buddhist monks complete the final rites on the day of the funeral and the head monk gives a speech mentioning the good deeds and actions done by the deceased and comforting the grieving family members and friends. The Pansakula, a significant ritual that is expected to pass on blessings and positive energies to the soul of the departed is done during the final chanting while a white cloth is being wrapped around the coffin.
Prior to cremation, a member of the family or a near and dear one is requested to make a short speech about the deceased. Following the cremation, a special meal is organized for the people gathered at the funeral.
A great number of people in China, Tibet, Thailand and some other Asian nations with a large Buddhist population follow the Buddhist funeral system with some variations based on the local customs.
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September 15th, 2011 at 12:21 am
thank you for sharing!! ^^
November 21st, 2011 at 12:39 am
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