The basic teachings of the Buddha form the crux of the Buddhist religion which is the main religion in many parts of the world today. Buddhism entails quest for the Ultimate Truth as well as a spirit of compassion and true love for every living being.

These basic principles of Buddhism are evident in the rites practised in a Buddhist Funeral. After the death of a person in a Buddhist family, some rituals have to be followed in order to make sure that the deceased’s soul is elevated to a higher stage of life after death. The positive energies of the dead are evoked to pray and wish the best for the deceased’s life cycle beyond this birth.

The first task in funeral rituals is that of giving a traditional wash to the body. The second stage entails presence of monks, who chant from religious scriptures and thereby aid the deceased in finding liberation. The monks read out those teachings of Lord Buddha that talk about the importance of practising mercy and kindness. The body is meanwhile prepared for the final rites. The relatives normally keep some money in the casket along with the deceased. This is for helping the deceased to pay and wade across the River of Three Hells.

The casket is then put before the altar at home for friends and relatives to pay their respects. The relatives and friends offer condolences to the dead person’s family, while the attendees pray for his soul. Priests who carry out the rites continue to recite the appropriate sutras. Once the chanting is complete, people bow before the altar to pay their final regards. The family members then thank the attendees for sharing their sorrow by distributing gifts to them.

Once these rituals are over, the family can decide to bury or cremate the deceased based on their family beliefs. The rites and rituals are a way of bringing peace to the family members of the departed as they know their prayers are aimed at elevating the status of the deceased in his life after death.

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