I was just curious how Buddhists send off an expired brother and how is the body prepared?
If you don't know but just want to answer, tell me how you would LIKE to be sent out.
2007-03-05 15:30:57 · 5 answers · asked by illuminostic_1 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Buddhism isn't terribly fussy about the waste disposal of a body which is no longer in use. There is no ceremony defined by Buddhism for burial but local custom will usually dictate burning the remains for hygenic reasons.
In Thailand it is customary to ask monks to chant Pali texts for the education of the mourners for a period of time before the cremation takes place and families can gain "face" by prolonging this period and showing their wealth to others but this is cultural rather than religious or spiritual.
Most crematoria in Thailand are located in Temples and their use is free.
Crematoria are often used by monks as a site for meditation when considering the impermanence of life and this practice was recommended by Buddha.
In Thailand it is not uncommon to see dead bodies and coffins being transported on the back of a pick-up to the Temple for cremation. The person is respected but the dead body is just a dead body.
2007-03-05 15:46:43 · answer #1 · answered by John B 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the sect of Buddhism. Some Tibetan Buddhists don't see any need to preserve the physical body; after all the "self' no longer stays with the body after it is dead, so they offer the body to the vultures so that it is used to sustain life.
2007-03-05 23:35:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Buddhist monks are often cremated and their remains are thrown out to the nearest water source (like, river, sea,...) (Symbol of freedom of spirit)
The funeral ceremony, traditionally lasts over 49 days, the first seven days being the most important. Prayers are said every seven days for 49 days if the family can afford
Eastern Asian funerals are very unique and distinct.
If you are interested, http://www.nbo.org.uk/funerals/funerals.htm
2007-03-05 23:34:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
SADHU!3X To John B,for answering from the Theravada perspective.That was what I did for my parents many years back.
Metta to all.
2007-03-06 05:06:06 · answer #4 · answered by Anger eating demon 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they chop the body up and feed it to dogs
2007-03-05 23:33:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋