Different religions have distinct views on life and death. As for Buddhists, they believe that there is a suffering-laden cycle of life, death, and rebirth called “samsara.” According to this belief, human beings are driven from life to life in this system by karma, which is the principle of cause and effect. This philosophy is not just popular with the Buddhists but with many non-followers as well.
The Buddhists’ belief when it comes to life and death is simple. They believe that death is not the end; instead, it simply leads to rebirth. In today’s modern world, where most people are busy, distracted, and maybe a little confused in life, the concept and lessons of “samsara”, or rebirth, remain essential and useful. Let us look into the continued relevance and vitality of the Buddhist belief in reincarnation.
1. It encourages people to make every moment count
In Buddhism, death has an essential religious meaning. It marks the moment when new life begins through rebirth. Buddhists believe that when a person dies, they will be reborn again in a seemingly endless cycle of existence. According to the teachings of Buddha, human beings are stuck in an endless loop of death and rebirth until they achieve Nirvana.
In this cycle of life, death, and rebirth, the Buddhists believe that death can occur at any moment. Hence, every Buddhist should be prepared for death since it can happen in an instance. Subsequently, this belief has the tendency of encouraging people to make every moment count. To a Buddhist, life is precious. As such, every life a person lives and every moment spent with their loved ones should be cherished.
2. It promotes good deeds among people
The concept of reincarnation in Buddhism is anchored to karma, otherwise known as the principle of cause and effect. According to Buddhism, everything that happens is the result of karma. Every action that a person takes throughout their lifetime, both good and bad, impacts their future. Therefore, the way people live their lives can affect the way they die.
Because Buddhism promulgates the idea that what is done in the present affects the future, good deeds are done in the hope of attaining a blessed life. Buddhism urges them to be true to themselves and to care for those who are around them. It is particularly crucial for a Buddhist to prepare for death by living in a good and kind manner. Doing so is the key to achieving calmness and control at the moment of death.
3. It gives peace and comfort to grieving families
Overcoming the death of a loved one is a painful process. It can take days, months, and even years to overcome the pain of losing a loved one. Often, people find sharing their grief during a funeral to be liberating, which is why it is not uncommon to see family members and friends sharing their favourite memories of the deceased during a Buddhist funeral service.
However, sometimes this action alone is not enough. For those overwhelmed with grief, the Buddhist concept of rebirth offers a sense of peace and comfort. As “samsara” states that death is not the end but rather just the beginning of a new life, grieving families can be comforted by the thought that their deceased loved ones have moved onto a better life. This thinking may help them process their grief and deal with the loss and pain that comes with their loved one’s departure.
Conclusion
The Buddhist concept of “samsara” or rebirth remains important today because it encourages people to live a kind and fulfilling life, and it serves as a source of peace and comfort for those who are grieving.
The importance of the reincarnation concept has also impacted the etiquettes of a Buddhist funeral. If you are planning a funeral for a deceased who is a Buddhist, but you are unfamiliar with the proper rites and customs, you should consider engaging the services of a trusted funeral company to help you with the arrangements. At 1Stop Buddhist Funeral Services, we assist families during their most challenging times by arranging a respectful and dignified send-off for their loved ones. We have various funeral packages you can choose from according to your loved one’s needs and wishes. If you need advice on the matter, our consultants are available to help you as well.