Jain Funeral Procedures

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

Page 22

The following words, from our last Jain prophet of this time cycle, "Lord Mahavira", are to his chief disciple Indrabhuti Gautama. Coincidentally they were spoken at the time of Lord Mahavira's approaching death. From the Uttaradhyayana Sutra, 10th chapter, Mahavira's gentle words have insight and meaning for our own reflection as to how we are using our short, precious life time. They caution and encourage us to make the necessary efforts toward the ultimate goal of Soul liberation.
(Option: Here is an opportunity to involve family or community by requesting a member to recite the following quote. The presider can say: "the person's name will recite 'Mahavira's words'.")
Lord Mahavira's encouraging words:
"As the fallow leaf of the tree falls to the ground
when its days are gone; even so the life of men, women
and children will come to its end:
Gautama, be careful all the while!
"As a dewdrop clinging to the top of a blade of (thin) Kusha grass
lasts but a short time; even so the life of men, women
and children will come to its end: Gautama, be careful all the while!
"You have crossed the great ocean; why do you halt so near the shore? Make haste to attain the other side:
Gautama, be careful all the while!
"Going through the same religious practices as perfected saints,
you will reach the world of perfection, Gautama,
where there is safety and perfect happiness:
Gautama, be careful all the while!"
Confession of Sins (or Mistakes):
Confession of 'sins' is part of the Jain tradition. For Jain 'sins' are seen as 'mistakes' which we make in our ignorance (in thought, word or deed) that harm or offend others. Jains see that in our ignorance we do things intentionally or unintentionally that can be harmful. Moreover, Jains believe that causing harm to others is first and foremost causing harm to one's own Soul. When we confess our sins we make amends and expect atonement when we vow and make an effort not to let the same mistake occur again.
Dear friends, let us take this opportunity to confess our sins and cleanse our hearts, to sweeten our memories, and to renew our confidence in the power of forgiveness to elevate our lives towards goodness.
Jains have a particular "Forgiveness Mantra" (or Prayer) which is called "Kshamaapana". While this mantra is sung in Sanskrit, the pronunciation along with its meaning is written in English. We will recite together the Sanskrit version of this prayer 1 time along with its English translation.
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