Jain Funeral Procedures

Author(s): Tansukh J Salgia
Publisher: Tansukh J Salgia

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GUEST SIGN-IN BOOK (Memorial book)
Usually the Funeral Home provides one for an additional price. If necessary, the family or the Jain Center may provide one.
ENVIRONMENT SANCTIFICATION
Arrange for a Deevo (Ghee Lamps), Agarbati, perfumed incense etc. Have matches or lighter, ghee, cotton, plate, stands etc. available. Prepare a table for this purpose. Deeva should be placed on the right side of the head and kept burning until the body is taken for cremation. The lamp has a cotton wick that is soaked in clarified butter (ghee) symbolizing divinity. The body should be placed with the head pointed towards the North. A photograph of the deceased with a garland around it should be kept on the table along with a religious picture or religious books. In case religious audiotapes/CD of Namokaar mantras or bhajans are to be played bring a tape player with audiocassettes and put it on the table. Bring a few extension cords. A volunteer should keep flowers and rice by the side of the body so that visiting guests can scatter a few petals or grains either on the dead body or on a nearby table to pay their final respects. Until cremation, the body should not be left unattended
Note: For Jains, an independent Soul resides in each and every living thing, therefore as much as possible do not make use of live flowers
SUGGESTED PROGRAM & LAST RITES (see texts for reading)
The presider could be a relative or a close friend of the deceased or a member of the Jain Center. On behalf of the deceased's family he/she announces that he has been assigned this duty and gives a very brief introduction of himself as a member of Jain Center/community.
The service may begin with Words of Welcome, a Greeting and Introduction, or a combination of these. While standing or sitting at or near the front of the gathering, the presider may begin by giving a "Greeting and Words of Welcome":
"Good morning (afternoon, evening). On behalf of the
family I would like to welcome all of you to this gathering and express sincere thanks on their behalf for coming and offering your support and encouragement at this time. (Introduce yourself - My name is [relationship to the deceased and/or family])"
Words of Welcome to the Gathering:
"Friends (Brothers and Sisters), we gather to grieve our loss and to comfort one another in our sorrow. We gather to acknowledge the life of ___ (person's name) ____, and to surround this family with our support, strength, and encouragement."
The presider should briefly explain Jain belief and meaning of life and death.
At the death of a loved one, all peoples of the world take time to recall the mystery of life, to recognize the contribution to family and society of the life of the deceased, and to mourn the
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