Buddhism is one of the oldest religions in the world with experts tracing its roots or beginnings some 2500 years ago. Currently, Buddhism ranks as the fourth biggest religion in the world with the number of adherents totalling 350 million. Unlike many religions, Buddhism is not focused on a person's relationship with a god but rather man's quest for spiritual enlightenment or an in-depth understanding of life.
This religion, however, is no different from others in that it has its own sets of traditions and practices with regards to matters like deaths. Below are some of the various interesting funeral practices and traditions observed by the various schools of Buddhism.
Most Buddhist schools adhere to cremation as the proper body disposal method. Cremation in general signifies the release of the soul of the deceased from bondage. This method also prevents attachment to the dead which is deemed to be a huge hindrance for the departed individual's soul to seek new life.
Meanwhile, when it comes to the cleaning and dressing of the body, Buddhist tradition requires 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 utmost care.
These days, though, with the presence of funeral companies well-aware of Buddhist funeral customs and practices, some families, especially those in Singapore, entrust these tasks to their chosen Funeral services Singapore provider. Essentially, what the deceased individual's family does is sit down with the funeral director Singapore memorial service provider has and discuss what they want to happen. From there, the funeral director leads the organisation of the funeral.
On funeral day, Theravada Buddhists practice Pansakula, the blessing of the deceased's body by his/her relatives. This is done to transfer merit to the departed. Monks, meanwhile, drape an eighteen-foot white cloth or Mataka Vastra on the casket.
These are just some of the many funeral beliefs and practices in the Buddhist faith. While there may 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 holding funerals that are solemn rather than extravagant.
This religion, however, is no different from others in that it has its own sets of traditions and practices with regards to matters like deaths. Below are some of the various interesting funeral practices and traditions observed by the various schools of Buddhism.
Most Buddhist schools adhere to cremation as the proper body disposal method. Cremation in general signifies the release of the soul of the deceased from bondage. This method also prevents attachment to the dead which is deemed to be a huge hindrance for the departed individual's soul to seek new life.
Meanwhile, when it comes to the cleaning and dressing of the body, Buddhist tradition requires 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 utmost care.
These days, though, with the presence of funeral companies well-aware of Buddhist funeral customs and practices, some families, especially those in Singapore, entrust these tasks to their chosen Funeral services Singapore provider. Essentially, what the deceased individual's family does is sit down with the funeral director Singapore memorial service provider has and discuss what they want to happen. From there, the funeral director leads the organisation of the funeral.
On funeral day, Theravada Buddhists practice Pansakula, the blessing of the deceased's body by his/her relatives. This is done to transfer merit to the departed. Monks, meanwhile, drape an eighteen-foot white cloth or Mataka Vastra on the casket.
These are just some of the many funeral beliefs and practices in the Buddhist faith. While there may 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 holding funerals that are solemn rather than extravagant.
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