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It is usually held in the home of the deceased or at a funeral home. If there is to be a wake, the body may or may not be embalmed. I take refuge in the Sangha During Funeral Processionĭuring the funeral procession on route to the place of burial or cremation, the mourners may say the following prayer.Ī flickering lamp – a phantom – and a dream. This is to express sorrow and to alert the community that the death has occurred.īefore the cremation or burial, the “going for refuge” of the Three Jewels may be chanted. During DeathĪt the time of death, the family begin wailing. If they are unable, someone else should quietly speak it into his or her ear. The dying person is encouraged to repeatedly say one of the names. “Even the gorgeous royal chariots wear out īut the teaching of goodness does not age Īnd so Goodness makes that known to the good ones.”īuddha has many names. Monks may come to the home or hospital of the dying person and chant verses such as the one below. The first seven days after death are the most important time for praying, reading, and chanting. It begins before death, if it is known that death is forthcoming. The Buddhist religion says that the method in which the service is conducted is not as important as the intention. The purpose is for aiding the deceased on their journey, and not for superstitious reasons or the sake of tradition. The family and monk can determine the particular ones for this occasion. There are a large number of chants, readings, and prayers in the Buddhist religion. Mourners are sometimes seen with walking sticks that symbolize their need for support due to their grief. Monks sometime perform rites, however the family can do so if no monk is present. Otherwise, an audio recording can be played.Įven though Buddhists do not believe that death is the end, it is still acceptable to show grief for the dead. If you are not Buddhist, you should not speak with the family before the funeral. It’s appropriate to bow your head and have your hands before you and together, as in prayer. Upon arriving, mourners should spend a moment at the altar. Flowers from mourners will be displayed around it. The casket is commonly simple and should be above the family’s means. The smell of incense and fruit will be present, with the room normally lit by candlelight. The altar will typically hold a Buddha symbol and a picture of the deceased. AltarĮither the casket or cremains are positioned at the head of the room with an alter placed nearby. The funeral can be held in advance of the burial or cremation, or after the cremation has taken place. The only realm where you can escape Samsara and become enlightened. Ignorant people who have no desire to change, would be apt to go to this realm. Aggressive and angry people could go to this realm. Angry beings who attack those who attempt to show them kindness. People who are addictive and obsessive may go here. They are compulsive, obsessive, and live with insatiable hunger. They have tiny mouths and a neck that is too thin to swallow. People who want to be superior to others may go to this realm. Strong and powerful, but impatient and envious. They will be reborn into one of the other realms.ĪSURA-GATI – Titans. Heavenly beings who live a long life of power and wealth, but without compassion or wisdom. The accumulation of their good and bad actions is referred to as the Law of Karma or the Buddhist version of reincarnation.Īfter death, they will be reborn into one of six realms including,ĭEVA-GATI – Gods. The new life they are given depends on the manner in which he or she lived their previous lives. Therefore, they teach not to fear death, because it leads them to their rebirth. The ultimate goal is to reach enlightenment and escape Samsara. This life and death cycle is known as Samsara. The spirit still remains and will carry on in another realm.
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Buddhist Beliefs About DeathĪll Buddhists believe that death is not the end, but only an end to the body they presently inhabit. Regardless, they do not believe those differences influence the spirit of the departed, because Buddha holds the soul after death. However, in some instances, the differences may be noted. For that reason, we will attempt to give a general overview. Buddhists who reside in different countries and sects can have dissimilar beliefs from one another.