One of the most widespread religions on earth, Buddhism derives its main principles from the preaching of the Buddha. People who practise Buddhism are expected to show unconditional love for all and try to realize the Ultimate Truth.

These basic principles of Buddhism can be seen in the rites practised in a Buddhist Funeral. After the death of a person in a Buddhist family, certain rites have to be practised in order to ensure that the deceased’s soul rises to a higher stage in afterlife. The positive energies of the deceased are invoked to pray and wish the best for the deceased’s life cycle beyond this birth.

The first stage in funeral rituals is that of giving a traditional wash to the body. Buddhist monks chant different religious scriptures, and these chants are believed to give the deceased the right guidance to attain spiritual liberation. The teachings of the Buddha, which speak of the value of practising virtue and compassion in daily life, are read aloud. The body is meanwhile prepared for the final rites. The deceased is generally provided with some coins placed in his casket by the family members. This is done to pay for the dead person’s journey across the mythical River of Three Hells.

The casket is then placed before the altar in the house for the loved ones to pay their respects. While friends and relatives offer condolences, visitors are expected to pray for the dead person. The priests carrying out the rites keep reciting the sutras as the proceedings move on. Once the chanting is over, people bow before the altar to pay their final regards. After the proceedings, 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 deceased according to their family customs. The different ceremonies are a means of bringing peace to the family of the departed as they know their prayers are aimed at elevating the status of the deceased in his after life.

Discover more about the best company that provides high quality Buddhist funeral and Christian funeral.