Life Beyond Death
An ongoing inquiry into purpose of death,
the nature of life after death,
how we can prepare for death,
and how we can assist the dying.
Proper Treatment of the Body
After the prerequisite 3.5 days, it is considered best to cremate the body rather than bury it in tact. Cremation encourages the subtle body to move on and not linger, in case there is any inclination to do so. This is not a strict requirement, but is recommended if cremation facilities are available.
In earlier times, bodies were buried in a simple wooden box or wrapped in cloth. As a result, decomposition took place quickly, within a matter of weeks. Today, with embalming techniques and the practice of placing the casket inside a concrete vault, the body can take years to decompose. Until then, it may continue to be a remote focus of attention for the subtle body, or others. Cremation is cleaner and prevents these possible distractions during the early stages of death.
Also, try to avoid loud or overt grieving around the body, and ask others to respect this request. Some grieving will be natural at first. But try to understand that the departed will be able to hear and often see everything in the room for some time after the body dies. If there's weeping or emotional upset around the body, they will hear the sounds and feel your grief, which will keep them from moving forward on their journey because they will want to console you.
As much as you can, feel your love and see how alive and fresh it remains inside you. That is where you are together and if you can cultivate that inner connection, you will never be apart. Love is like a beam of light that will always reach your loved one on the inner planes. They will know it is you and send love back along that same beam.
Sraddha Yagya
In addition to the usual funeral rites, a Sraddha Yagya is highly recommended. This is an ancient Vedic ceremony performed by Hindu Pundits in India. The ceremony lasts 9 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 Sraddha yagya can be performed immediately upon the passing, or months later.
The Sraddha yagya helps the subtle body to sever its connection with the Earth plane and move on to the next stage of evolution. It also helps to purify the karma of the departed and bring welfare to the surviving family. During the Sraddha yagya, gifts are given to Brahmins 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 Sraddha yagya for someone who is dying or recently departed, please contact me and I will direct you to the right people who can make the necessary arrangements.
