Jain Funeral Procedures

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

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The most harmful of our inner enemies are seen as the passions of anger, greed, ego (or pride and arrogance), and deceit. A Jain is anyone who is aspiring to achieve Jinahood by applying or practicing the "teaching" that the Jinas have given for attainment of such a goal.
NOTE: Now choose and read from APPENDIX A one of the two explanations, option A or B, or use a combination of both. After the explanation continue and read the following: Thus, from a Jain point of view those qualities that we will miss so much with the death of a loved one have not forever ceased to exist. As natural characteristics of Soul, they have in reality left the bodily form and gone on to another existence.
Jains believe in the purification and evolution of the Soul; and therefore the potential liberation of the Soul from material worldly bondage. If an individual lives according to the guidelines necessary to purify his/her Soul, meaning a moral, religious life, the Soul becomes increasingly pure and elevates toward liberation. Liberation is the state when the Soul is completely pure and free, never to return to material, worldly entanglement. When a person lives a moral and religious life we are saddened at the time of death for the loss of such a fine person. However, our sadness is somewhat lessened by the happiness we feel for her/his Soul purification progress. As well, Jains take comfort knowing that this particular Soul has probably taken rebirth in a pleasant, elevated situation that is favorable to the continued progress of that Soul toward liberation. Based on the understanding of the eternal, indestructible Soul, we take comfort and strength knowing that the part of the person which we admired and loved so much has not been annihilated to "nothingness". The loving essence continues to exist. What has changed is the form and circumstance. In other words, "The life energy, the Soul, has gone on".
Here the family or the presider can select some quotations from the scriptures that they feel appropriate for their situation. One requirement for the selection is that the quotations reflect the positive reassuring knowledge that Soul is eternal and that Soul continues after death. Some selected quotations that satisfy these criteria are given as examples in APPENDIX B.
Select 3-6 clear and concise relevant scriptures, or statements from Jain religious leaders. The presider/leader can say: a) "In the __????__ Scripture (or book) it says ...." or b) _leader/teacher's name__ says ....."
Prayer of Reflection: Introduction: Jains strive to find the positive in all situations. In this regard Jains use the occasion of what is called "death" (more accurately understood as, the time of the "passing on" of the life giving Soul), to reflect on our own morality. Included in this reflection is an evaluation of what preparation each of us is doing to strengthen our own Soul. And we reflect on how wisely we are using the short, valuable time allotted in this life to uplift and elevate our Soul. In other words, are we using this life time indulging in worldly involvements for short term pleasures? Or, are we sincerely making religious efforts toward the long-term benefits that come from Soul purification and elevation?
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