Birth and death is a cycle. Some of the scriptures and the religion believe in this cycle whereas others do not. In Buddhism, the thought of deem in birth and death, the end of life is believed in a much different way. There are believes that the loved ones are still much more important, thus, it is marked in a much separate and specific Buddhist funeral rites.
In a world full of a cultural and religious difference there are different ways of practising Buddhism. Death is wisely and widely accepted by Buddhist practitioners. They say that the repeated cycle of life is called ‘Samsara’, which is the reincarnation form. Thus, according to this cycle, it is the Buddhists actions that the current life will determine in which way the reincarnation will take place.
Buddha himself was cremated, but if you do little research in many of the Buddhist funerals have involved the cremation process other than the burial process. The major information is found in the guide to burials and through the guide to cremations. The traditional Buddhist cremation; in Hinduism have an open eye pyre. This sort of practice was not common in the United Kingdom.
In some of the Buddhist cultures, the bereaved family wishes to witness the cremation live. These create a lot of issues to the people who witness it. In some of the Buddhist burial, it is preferred to be buried. There is a reflection of the cycle of life as described by the Samsara. The practice of sharing gifts on burial is very much observed. Like among all Nippangift Funeral Gift is one of the most demanded and desired gifts to offer to the lost loved one.
Who are the ones to participate in Buddhist funerals?
Majority of the practitioners who have a Buddhist funeral will be actively involved in a community once they join it. In these instances, the responsible members of these communities can chiefly be advised for the most appropriate Buddhist funeral rites which are required of the tradition. Anyone can request for the service of the same. There are few hospitals and hospices who have Buddhist chaplains and a part of the Buddhist society can offer much advice on the Theravada, Tibetan and even on the Zen funerals.
What happens in a Buddhist Funeral?
As there are so many and diverse types of Buddhist practices across the globe. There is a not prescribed and procedure for funeral processes. What is different is the way of service. It is a majorly simple and dignified occasion at the monastery that takes place, where the family members and there are some other traditional and ritual to the followed thereafter. The services may sometimes occur before or after the cremation of the burial procedure, there are many open coffins at the funeral services available as well. Nothing to be scared of these is just the process of funeral and it’s very auspiciously followed.
The venues are generally decorated with the image of the person who has died, full of flowers, incense, candles and fruits to grace the person. The mourners keep silence for hours. They are often present to bereaved with the flowers to place alongside the image placed of the person who has died. Once the individual mourners have personally prayed and shown respect to the person; the monks take over for the other ritual prayers and Goodreads using flowers alongside the loved ones or the decorated altar.
The monks read sermons loud and deliver eulogies of the soul to rest in peach and reincarnated in the next birth. The chanting of the monks is a very regular feature of the monasteries and one of the most soulful activities after death. Even there are records of chanting that is played for the entire day. Apart from the non –religious elements, there are some acceptable and offered services which are not included in the conflict ideas of the Buddhist practitioners.
Entering the venue wearing a simple yet light-coloured dress to participate in the chanting is beautiful. Even after the funeral is over there is a small reception in his/her memory. Thus, traditionally, the Buddhists behold the third, seventh, 49th and the 100th day after the death of a loved one.