1. Relatives should not cry in the presence of the patient, especially immediately before and after the death. Doing so can cause the dying patient to develop thoughts of attachment which can prevent the much sought rebirth and resultant liberation.
2. It is vitally important not to touch or move the body of the deceased person. Thus, people should wait at least twelve hours, and preferably twenty-four, before washing and dressing the body.
3. Family and friends should concentrate on chanting in all earnestness and without crying for at least twelve hours. This is to allow the patient's most subtle consciousness adequate time to leave the body. If, during this period, anyone touches the body or cries, the deceased may still experience feelings of pain, sadness, anger, or self-pity, and sink again into the realms of suffering.
4. During the minimum twelve-hour period, (twenty-four hours is preferable), if people can remain chanting near the deceased, so much the better. Except for chanting, nothing should be done.
5. Funeral arrangements should be simple and modest, without unnecessary expenses. Only vegetarian food should be provided for serving meat or fish will burden the departed with more karmic obstacles, making liberation that much more difficult. It is important to remember that even those who have already been reborn into the Pure Land may still be affected by the behavior of family and friends acting on behalf of the deceased.
related post: Living Will
Source Of Information:
《Going Home To The Pure Land》, by Venerable Wuling, translated by J.C.Cleary, published by Pure Land College Press in 2010, distributed by: Persatuan Penganut Agama Buddha Amitabha Malaysia, 90 & 92, Jalan Pahang, Gombak, 53000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.)
*** The information provided above does not contain personal opinion of this blog.
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