Buddhist Funeral Traditions: Death as a Journey, Not an End

• Buddhism views death as a natural transition, not an end, with consciousness continuing its journey.
• Emphasis is placed on a peaceful environment at the time of death, avoiding fear or sorrow, supported by family and monks.
• Trisharan (Three Refuges) and Panchsheel (Five Precepts) guide life and provide spiritual support at death.
• Common rituals include cremation (body as temporary, ashes returned to nature) and sky burial (body as a final offering in Tibet).
• Post-death rituals involve prayers, donations, and good deeds for 7, 14, or 49 days to aid the departed consciousness.

Why It Matters: Buddhist traditions see death as a peaceful transition, emphasizing consciousness's onward journey.