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One of the most widespread religions on earth, Buddhism derives its main principles from the preaching of Lord Buddha. Buddhism involves quest for the Ultimate Truth as well as a sense of compassion and genuine love for every living being.

These fundamentals of Buddhism are reflected in the rites practised during a Buddhist funeral. When someone dies in a Buddhist family, there are some main rituals which are followed with the aim of ensuring that the deceased’s soul can soar to an elevated stage. Prayers are offered invoking the goodness of the departed soul and wishes are made for a peaceful life after death for the departed.

A traditional bath to the deceased marks the start of the Buddhist funeral rituals. Then comes the stage of chanting of religious scriptures by the priests, thereby directing the soul to the path of spiritual liberation. The monks recite those sermons of the Buddha that talk about the importance of practising mercy and kindness. The body is meanwhile made ready for the final rituals. The relatives generally keep some coins in the casket along with the deceased. This is to pay for the deceased’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 final respects. While friends and relatives give condolences, attendees are expected to offer prayers for the dead person. Priests who perform the rituals continue to recite the appropriate sutras. Once the chanting is complete, people bow at the altar to pay their final regards. After the proceedings, the family members of the departed distribute gifts to the attendees for sharing their sorrow.

Once these rites are completed, the family can decide to bury or cremate the deceased based on their family customs. The rites and rituals 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 life after death.

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