Life Beyond Death
The purpose of death
The nature of life after death
How we can prepare for death
How we can assist the dying
Proper Treatment of the Body
As soon as possible after the last breath, the body should be positioned face up with hands folded across the lower abdomen. If the eyes and mouth are open and cannot easily be closed, place a cloth over the face to encourage the awareness to turn inward. It's a good idea to do these things within the first few minutes, before rigor mortis sets in. Then the body should be left undisturbed in a quiet room during a transition period of at least 24 hours. During this period, if circumstances demand that the body be moved, do so carefully. Then, as soon as possible, leave the body undisturbed for the remainder of the prescribed time.
During the transition period, it's a good idea to keep the body as cool as possible in order to slow the natural process of decay. If it's winter time, open the windows wide. Otherwise, use air conditioning at the lowest possible setting, to cool the room as much as possible. Alternatively, ice packs may be used to keep the body cool during this period.
As soon as possible after the transition period, the body should be cremated, without post mortem or embalming. However, if these procedures are required by law, they should be performed after the transition period and then the body cremated as soon as possible thereafter. After cremation, the ashes should be scattered in the ocean, a river, or across a wide area of natural terrain. It's best not to bury the ashes in a cemetery or mausoleum, or to keep them at home.
In earlier times, where burial was the tradition, bodies were placed in a simple wooden box or wrapped in cloth. As a result, decomposition took place quickly, within a matter of days. Today, with embalming techniques and the use of burial vaults, decomposition can take years. In the meantime, the decaying physical body can be a distraction to the departing consciousness, or may attract others. Cremation is cleaner, quicker and helps to sever the bond between the subtle body and the Earth plane during the early stages of death.
Shraddha Yagya
In addition to the usual funeral rites, a Shraddha Yagya is highly recommended. This is an ancient Vedic ceremony performed by Hindu Pundits in India. The ceremony lasts 13 days, during which time the names of God are continuously chanted while offerings of flowers, rice, fruit and ghee are placed into a fire, all in the name of the departed person. The Shraddha Yagya may be started immediately after the cremation, or can begin anytime up to several years thereafter.
The Shraddha Yagya helps the subtle body to sever its connection with the Earth plane and move on to the highest possible stage of evolution. It also helps to purify the karma of the surviving family members and the ancestors, going back several generations. During the Shraddha Yagya, gifts are given to Brahmin families and to the poor, in order to purify the karma of the departed. These gifts include beds, food, clothing, cows and money.
If you would like to arrange a Shraddha Yagya for someone who is dying or recently departed, please go to puja.net or, expertvedicastrology.com.
