In a Buddhist funeral, the followers of the faith believe in carrying out detailed rites and rituals during the funeral proceedings. Devout Buddhists believe that the soul is given freedom from the worldly cycle of life and death from the deceased's mortal body during the funeral ceremonies and is able to reach a new level and move towards a greater existence.
Monks are invited to perform the ceremonies and rituals during a Buddhist funeral, which typically ends with cremation. The underlying positive energies are released from the soul by the chanting of appropriate sutras by monks who read from the holy scriptures. In the meantime, the body is made ready and preserved so that even if the cremation takes place after some days of the death, the body doesn't get decayed. After washing the body, it is placed in a casket with candles, bouquets, fragrant incense and a photograph of the deceased.
The Abhidharma, a holy Buddhist text is read daily by visiting Buddhist monks during the funeral days even when the cremation is delayed to wait for the visitors from far away places.
On the occasion of the funeral, monks perform the final rituals and their chief gives a brief speech in tribute to the dead person highlighting his contributions in life and consoling the bereaved relatives that death is inevitable. Other rites like wrapping the casket with a white cloth during the religious invocation and Pansakula, a custom of passing on virtues and blessings to the soul of the deceased are also performed.
Before the cremation takes place, a close member of the family is requested to say a few words about the departed individual. The Buddhist funeral services conclude with a light feast for the attendees immediately after the funeral.
Although some modifications in rituals can be seen, these are the general ritualistic procedures followed during funeral service by followers in countries like Tibet, Thailand and China, where a large number of Buddhists reside.
Monks are invited to perform the ceremonies and rituals during a Buddhist funeral, which typically ends with cremation. The underlying positive energies are released from the soul by the chanting of appropriate sutras by monks who read from the holy scriptures. In the meantime, the body is made ready and preserved so that even if the cremation takes place after some days of the death, the body doesn't get decayed. After washing the body, it is placed in a casket with candles, bouquets, fragrant incense and a photograph of the deceased.
The Abhidharma, a holy Buddhist text is read daily by visiting Buddhist monks during the funeral days even when the cremation is delayed to wait for the visitors from far away places.
On the occasion of the funeral, monks perform the final rituals and their chief gives a brief speech in tribute to the dead person highlighting his contributions in life and consoling the bereaved relatives that death is inevitable. Other rites like wrapping the casket with a white cloth during the religious invocation and Pansakula, a custom of passing on virtues and blessings to the soul of the deceased are also performed.
Before the cremation takes place, a close member of the family is requested to say a few words about the departed individual. The Buddhist funeral services conclude with a light feast for the attendees immediately after the funeral.
Although some modifications in rituals can be seen, these are the general ritualistic procedures followed during funeral service by followers in countries like Tibet, Thailand and China, where a large number of Buddhists reside.
About the Author:
Find out more about the best company that provides high quality casket. Leave the delicate matter of your funeral needs in the hands of efficientfuneral director.
