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Funeral Miscellaneous
In Thai, Burmese, Laotian, Cambodian, Sri Lankan and Chinese Traditions.
Theravada Buddhists follow the Indian custom of burning the body at death.
The Buddha’s body was cremated and this set the example for many Buddhists, even in the West.
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A Temple Roof in Wat Chalong, Phuket Island - You can clearly see the Chofahs |
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When someone is dying in a Burmese home, monks come to comfort them. They chant verses to them, such as:
"Even the gorgeous royal chariots wear out; and indeed this body too wears out. But the teaching of goodness
does not age; and so Goodness makes that known to the good ones."
After death, while the dead person is being prepared for the funeral fire, the monks continue to chant in
order to help the dead one’s good energies to be released from their fading personality.
The monks come with the family to the funeral. The family and all their friends give food and candles to the monks.
Goodwill is created by these gifts and it is believed that the goodwill helps the lingering spirit of the dead person.
Other Worlds
In Tibet, a Mahayana country, the day of death is thought of as highly important. It is believed that as soon as the
death of the body has taken place, the personality goes into a state of trance for four days. During this time the
person does not know they are dead. This period is called the First Bardo and during it lamas (monks) saying special verses can reach the person to them.
It is believed that towards the end of this time the dead person will see a brilliant light. If the radiance of the
Clear Light does not terrify them, and they can welcome it, then the person will not be reborn. But most flee from the Light, which then fades.
The person then becomes conscious that death has occurred. At this point the Second Bardo begins.
The person sees all that they have ever done or thought passing in front of them. While they watch they feel they have
a body but when they realize this is not so, they long to possess one again. Then comes the Third Bardo, which
is the state of seeking another birth. All previous thoughts and actions direct the person to choose new parents, who will give them their next body.
Traditional Chinese Funeral Arrangements
Lineage
On the passing away of the father, the eldest son becomes the head of the family. If the eldest son
passes away, his second brother does not assume leadership of the family. Leadership passes to the eldest son
of the eldest son or the grandson of the father. He must assume the responsibilities and duties to the ancestors on behalf of the family.
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