Jain Funeral Procedures

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

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Introductory remarks:
"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 loss. It is therefore important for Jains and non-Jains alike to be aware of the universality of human grief and the rituals of mourning.
The Jain scriptures reflect many attitudes about death: belief in the eternal nature of the Soul; conviction that it is a consequence of the Soul being entangled in the material world; conviction that it is a time of bodily change; resigned acceptance of the inevitability of death; trust in the benefit of living a religious and moral life; and belief in the progress of the Soul toward liberation. The scripture also affirms many emotional responses to the reality of grief; including anger, denial, sadness and crying, resignation, yet also trust, assurance and humility". Empowered by the Jain belief in the eternal existence of the Soul, the Jain community faces the event of death, consoles the bereaved, and offers the opportunity to reflect on our own religious belief and conduct during this human life time. The elements essential to a Jain memorial (or funeral) services are reciting mantras, scriptural readings, prayers and commendation of the departed. In such ways, Jains affirm their belief that there is meaning, purpose and hope in death as in life; and that there is renewed life and potential for elevated life after death.
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."
Formal Religious Part of Program: 'We will begin by singing the most sacred of Jain prayers, the "Namokar Mantra". This mantra recognizes and pays respect to those humans who have reached the stage of religious progress above that of the layperson; those of the monks, nuns, soon to be liberated Souls, and liberated Souls. By reciting this prayer we affirm that we are aspiring to follow their example and elevate ourselves to the higher stage. While this prayer is sung in Sanskrit, the pronunciation along with its meaning is written in English. We will recite this prayer (x) times (x = the number of times felt beneficial - [perhaps 3 to 5]).
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