The Real Purpose of the Funeral Appeared in Buddhism

Abstract

   The research named the real purpose of the funeral appeared in Buddhism aimed (1) to gather the beliefs and funeral ceremony, (2) to study the patterns of ritual events from the past to the present, (3) to interpret the riddles (Dharma puzzles) of funeral in Buddhism.
   The results were found that traditionally the funerals were existed since ancient times. The reasons for the funeral, significant benefits were mentioned in four aspects included. The first essence is “family reunification”. If a death man was burned or buried hastily, During the preparation, the news is sent to relatives, friends telling the scheduled and the cremation will be in which date, in which temple. Secondly, “goodness declaration”, to describes the benefits qualifications and successful career. Thirdly, “creation of human completeness” is a charity dedicated to the dead and these provisions also will be ready for the dead to use in the next life, and to create human completeness of the living ones. Fourthly, “duty of human” because people supposed to be grateful to the parents or sponsors of their own, the funeral ceremony is to honor the deceased.
   In addition, Dharma puzzle about three knots said that “to shroud (the dead)” tied on the neck means loop children’s love, tied the hands means loop husband-wife’s love, tied at the ankle means loop treasures’ loved. If any person sticks in these three loops, the person cannot achieve to Nirvana, the person is frequently swimming in transmigration. Dharma puzzle about walking the third round around the funeral pyre means keeping births in three places included sensuality sphere, fine-material sphere, and immaterial sphere by the power of desires, passion, and attachment, so it will be no end of suffering. Therefore people in the current iteration of passion should walk in contrast which is teaching in fairly high Dharma. Walking the third round around the funeral pyre, and using coconut water for cleaning the dead’s face indicates that it is the purest water. The person achieving to nirvana has to clean one’s mind by nectar from Dharma.