Buddhist Death Beliefs

Buddhist religion, from its beginning, has put death as an event that is central to its culture. Therefore, death rituals and ideologies play important role in the advancement and development of Buddhist culture. Buddhism teaches that death is an essential part of a person’s life cycle and that every death leads to rebirth. This life and death cycles in Buddhism is known as Samsara, which simply means they believe in reincarnation. Buddhists do not fear death because they believe it is not the end. It is the beginning of another journey.

Death beliefs and funeral rituals are very clear in Buddhism. There may be few traditions and cultures that may differ in modern times, however, the belief in reincarnation is one principle that is uniform worldwide. 

Buddhists normally prefer cremation; however, burials are allowed too. There are no religious rules that govern cremation or burials, and families have a choice according to their preference. The choice for cremation is because Buddhists believe it frees the soul from the body.

Buddhists also believe that everything in life happens as a result of Karma. The actions in a person’s lifetime that may have an effect on their future is Karma. It may be both good and bad happenings. Karma determines a person’s death, the way they die and rebirth. 

Buddhists are always regarded as specialists in death throughout Asia. The dying process is most important and sacred to Buddhist beliefs. Death marks the moment of truth when new life begins. 

Buddhism’s teachings are very clear as to what happens after death. A meaningful death is achieved by following a clear and specific direction about the dying process. Therefore, when death is near Buddhism encourages to recite their holy scriptures. Buddhists give their final thoughts to Buddha in preparation for their death because of their belief that it may bring good luck to new start. 

It is the key reason that Chinese and Tibetans are attracted to Buddhism.  Thus, the welfare of the deceased person and the mourners are clear in the Buddhist religion. Buddhism also preaches exactly what happens after death clearly. Furthermore, its links to the way the deceased person has lived their life. There is no other religion in Asia that has such clarity and death and funeral rites. This was the major reason for the successful transition of Buddhism from its origins in Indian culture.