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Buddhism is certainly one of the oldest religions in the planet with experts tracing its roots or beginnings some 2500 years ago. Presently, Buddhism ranks as the fourth biggest religion in the world with the number of adherents totalling 350 million. Unlike numerous religions, Buddhism isn't focused on a person's relationship with a god but rather man's pursuit for spiritual enlightenment or a deeper understanding of life.
This religion, however, is no different from other religions in that it has its own sets of traditions and practices when it comes to matters like deaths. Listed below are some of the interesting facts about funeral rites observed by the different schools of Buddhism.
In most Buddhist schools, it's believed that the rightful way to dispose of a body via cremation. This practice signifies the release of the soul of the deceased individual from bondage. Furthermore, it's believed to prevent attachment to the dead, an act that can prevent the soul of the departed from seeking new life.
Meanwhile, with regards to the cleaning and dressing of the body, Buddhist tradition dictates that these tasks should be delegated to the deceased's family members. This is to ensure that the body is handled with respect and with the greatest care.
These days, however, with the presence of funeral companies that are aware of Buddhist funeral customs and practices, some families, especially those in Singapore, entrust these concerns to their chosen Funeral services Singapore provider. Basically, what the deceased individual's family does is sit down with the funeral director Singapore memorial company has and discuss what they like to happen. From there, the funeral director leads the organisation of the funeral.
In the Theravada tradition, on the day of the funeral, a white cloth, called a Mataka Vastra, is draped on the coffin by monks. Relatives also participate in blessing their departed by pouring water from a small jug into a dish. This tradition, which is called Pansakula, is said to be an act of transferring merit to the departed. After the cremation, alms-giving happens in the funeral home where pumpkin, believed to be excellent for the grieving heart, and salted fish, said to replenish lost salts in the body due to crying, are served.
These are just a number of many funeral beliefs and practices in the Buddhist faith. While there could be variations or differences in practices among the different schools, Buddhist leaders are on the exact same page when it comes to teaching their followers to focus on having funerals that are solemn rather than extravagant.
This religion, however, is no different from other religions in that it has its own sets of traditions and practices when it comes to matters like deaths. Listed below are some of the interesting facts about funeral rites observed by the different schools of Buddhism.
In most Buddhist schools, it's believed that the rightful way to dispose of a body via cremation. This practice signifies the release of the soul of the deceased individual from bondage. Furthermore, it's believed to prevent attachment to the dead, an act that can prevent the soul of the departed from seeking new life.
Meanwhile, with regards to the cleaning and dressing of the body, Buddhist tradition dictates that these tasks should be delegated to the deceased's family members. This is to ensure that the body is handled with respect and with the greatest care.
These days, however, with the presence of funeral companies that are aware of Buddhist funeral customs and practices, some families, especially those in Singapore, entrust these concerns to their chosen Funeral services Singapore provider. Basically, what the deceased individual's family does is sit down with the funeral director Singapore memorial company has and discuss what they like to happen. From there, the funeral director leads the organisation of the funeral.
In the Theravada tradition, on the day of the funeral, a white cloth, called a Mataka Vastra, is draped on the coffin by monks. Relatives also participate in blessing their departed by pouring water from a small jug into a dish. This tradition, which is called Pansakula, is said to be an act of transferring merit to the departed. After the cremation, alms-giving happens in the funeral home where pumpkin, believed to be excellent for the grieving heart, and salted fish, said to replenish lost salts in the body due to crying, are served.
These are just a number of many funeral beliefs and practices in the Buddhist faith. While there could be variations or differences in practices among the different schools, Buddhist leaders are on the exact same page when it comes to teaching their followers to focus on having funerals that are solemn rather than extravagant.
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