Funeral Rituals in Hinduism and Buddhism

Ashlyn Juarez

Professor Knepp

World Religions

20 Nov 2017

Funeral Rituals in Hinduism and Buddhism

        Hinduism and Buddhism are some of the most ancient religions in the world today. According to Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, "Buddhism, in its origin at least is an offshoot of Hinduism” (Radhakrishnan). Both Hinduism and Buddhism originated in the Indian subcontinent and share a very long history. The connections start with Buddha’s birth because he was born in a Hindu family, and they continue today, where it is common to see Hindu deities, creatures, and epics decorate Buddhist temples and stupas. While there are many similar beliefs between these two religions, there are also many differences between them. Hindus and Buddhists have the same, but also a different view on funerals. There are many religious rituals for preparing the body, viewing or wake, cremation, and events or tributes.

        “Although the physical body dies, the individual soul has no beginning and no end” (Funeralwise). Hindus believe their soul can pass to another through reincarnation, depending on their karma, which literally means “actions”. If the soul understands the ultimate reality, it may be absorbed into Brahman. Buddhists believe that “…each incarnation brings the soul closer to nirvana, which gives complete spiritual enlightenment. Because of this belief, their funerals celebrate the soul’s ascent from the body, rather than the demise of the body itself” (HealGrief).

        Hindus have more rituals with preparing the body than Buddhists do. There are many types of Hindu religion, but traditionally, the body is washed by members of the family or close friends. Most Hindu funeral homes would do this themselves, but some realize that it is important to the Hindus to do family washing of the body and will allow the family to prepare the body. For the washing, the deceased’s head should be facing southward. A lighted oil lamp and a picture of the deceased’s favorite deity should be kept by their head. Also, another tradition is the “abhisegam”, which is a holy bath. The body is washed in a mixture of milk, yogurt, ghee, and honey. Alternatively, it can be washed in purified water. While the body is being washed, the person washing should recite mantras. “Once the body is sufficiently cleaned, the big toes should be tied together, the hands should be placed palm-to-palm in a position of prayer, and the body should be shrouded in a plain white sheet” (Everplans). If the deceased person was a married woman who died before her husband, she should be dressed in red. When the body is being prepared for Buddhists, it must be completely cold before it can be washed and prepared for burial or cremation. The deceased should not be dressed in fancy clothes, but instead clothes that he or she would normally wear.

        Buddhists do not always perform wakes, but if there is one, the body must rest in a calm and peaceful room. The body should lie in a simple casket and it should be open for the rest of the wake. An altar may be placed near the casket and there may be an image of the deceased, an image of the Buddha, candles, flowers, fruit, and incense. “Chanting may take place during the wake, and may be performed by monks, laypeople, or may be pre-recorded and played at the wake. However, any chanting must be for practical reasons, such as to aid in the contemplation of the impermanence of life, rather than for mere tradition” (Everplans). The wake may last for as long as the family wishes. Hindus hold a brief wake before cremation. Like Buddhists, the body should be put in a simple casket. ““Vibuti” (ash) or “chandanam” (sandalwood) should be applied to the forehead of a man, and turmeric should be applied to the forehead of a woman” (Everplans). A garland of flowers will be placed around the neck, and holy basil will be placed in the casket. During the wake, people will gather around the casket and may recite hymns or mantras. “At the end of the wake, before the body is removed for cremation, many Hindus place “pinda” (rice balls) near the casket” (Everplans).

        Cremation is acceptable in both Hinduism and Buddhism. Nevertheless, only Hindu babies, children, and saints are cremated. Traditionally, the casket is put on a stretcher and walked to the cremation site, but it is acceptable to take the body in a vehicle. “If a vehicle is used for transportation, the eldest male relative (known as “karta”) and another male family elder should accompany the casket. It is customary that only men attend the cremation” (Everplans). In history, Hindu cremations are on the Ganges River in India. The family would build a pyre and place the body it. The karta will circle around the body three times, while walking counter-clockwise. He does this so the body stays on his left, and as he is doing this, he is sprinkling holy water. He then will set the pyre on fire and those joined together will stay until the body is completely burned. For Hindus that are not living in India will arrange a shipment of the body to India and hold a traditional cremation with a substitution karta. Most crematories will allow a ceremony before and will allow guests to be present, so most of the rituals may still be observed. “The body should be brought into the crematorium feet-first, with the feet facing south. Those gathered may pray, and then the karta will perform the ritual circling of the body” (Everplans). When the body is ready for cremation, it should be placed into the incinerator, feet-first. Buddhists believe if the body is going to be cremated, monks may be present at the crematorium and lead chanting. If they are not present, family members may lead chanting. The ashes may be collected by the family, and may be kept by the family. They can be stored, put in an urn garden, or scattered at sea.