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- | Hindu beliefs about death follow naturally from their beliefs about the ultimate purpose of life. The soul (atman, from the word for breath, an) is trapped in a cycle of seemingly endless reincarnation as it seeks moksa, the absorption into the godhead of Brahman. Death is then the release of the soul from its present incarnation and its preparation for the next stage of the cycle. What that will be depends on the karma, the merit, or quality of life lived in this incarnation. If it has been particularly unworthy then a huge number of reincarnation-cycles (8,400,00 in one set of teachings) will be added. Some Hindus believe that if a person has shown him or herself to be especially resistant to goodness, they will be reincarnated in animal form, even insect form. | + | Our understanding of hindu beliefs about death follow naturally from their beliefs about the ultimate purpose of life. The soul (atman, from the word for breath, an) is trapped in a cycle of seemingly endless reincarnation as it seeks moksa, the absorption into the godhead of Brahman. Death is then the release of the soul from its present incarnation and its preparation for the next stage of the cycle. What that will be depends on the karma, the merit, or quality of life lived in this incarnation. If it has been particularly unworthy then a huge number of reincarnation-cycles (8,400,00 in one set of teachings) will be added. Some Hindus believe that if a person has shown him or herself to be especially resistant to goodness, they will be reincarnated in animal form, even insect form. |
At death, traditionally experienced on a mattress on the ground and, at the very last, actually lying on the ground, the soul is released. Some believe this is nearly instantaneous; | At death, traditionally experienced on a mattress on the ground and, at the very last, actually lying on the ground, the soul is released. Some believe this is nearly instantaneous; | ||
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The cremation happens within 24 hours of death and is led by a Hindu priest and/or the eldest son. Traditionally women were not allowed to attend, but that is no longer enforced. Chants are sung throughout the ceremony, with mourners dressed in white. Mourning may last from 10 to 30 days, when friends and family members will visit the bereaved family, sometimes with flowers but not usually with food. On the 13 th day after the death, the family will hold a ceremony of remembrance, | The cremation happens within 24 hours of death and is led by a Hindu priest and/or the eldest son. Traditionally women were not allowed to attend, but that is no longer enforced. Chants are sung throughout the ceremony, with mourners dressed in white. Mourning may last from 10 to 30 days, when friends and family members will visit the bereaved family, sometimes with flowers but not usually with food. On the 13 th day after the death, the family will hold a ceremony of remembrance, | ||
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+ | We welcome views and comments from Hindu believers. |