The basic teachings of Lord Buddha form the crux of the Buddhist religion which is the main religion in several parts of the world today. The followers of Buddhism are expected to show boundless love for all and try to realize the Ultimate Truth.

These main tenets of Buddhism can be seen in the rituals followed in a Buddhist Funeral. There are certain mandatory rites that need to be adhered to during the funeral of a dead person. These rites are meant to ensure that the deceased is raised to a higher stage. Prayers are made calling upon the good energies associated with the dead person for his or her deliverance from this cycle of life.

The funeral rituals start with giving the deceased a traditional ablution. After that comes the stage of chanting of religious scriptures by the monks, thereby directing the soul to the path of spiritual liberation. The teachings of Lord Buddha, which speak of the value of goodness and compassion in daily life, are read aloud. Meanwhile, the deceased is prepared for the final rites. Friends and family members usually keep some coins in the casket of the deceased person. This is to pay for the deceased’s journey across the mythical River of Three Hells.

The casket is then put before the altar in the house for friends and relatives to pay their final respects. The relatives and friends offer condolences to the deceased’s family, while the attendees pray for his soul. Monks who carry out the rites continue to chant the appropriate sutras. Once the chanting is over, people bow at the altar to pay their last respects. After the proceedings, the family members of the deceased distribute gifts to the visitors for sharing their grief.

Once these rites are over, the family members can decide to cremate or bury the body based on their family customs. In all, the rites try to bring a sense of acceptance and peace to the bereaved family while praying to promote the departed to a higher state of knowledge and realization.

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