Upon death, the body is prepared according to tradition by being washed and dressed in clean white cloth. For Hindus and Sikhs, the body is cremated or buried as soon as possible. The funeral involves prayers, last rites performed by family, and the body being placed on a pyre or in the ground. There is a period of mourning observed, with rituals and remembrance of the deceased taking place over subsequent days and years. For Zoroastrians, the body is taken to the Tower of Silence to be exposed to vultures, with the bones later placed in a pit. Ritual purity is important, and mourners are meant to wash before returning home.
This document contains a map of the National Conservation Training Center campus with various buildings, trails, roads, and points of interest labeled. It also includes information about campus amenities like dining hours, the conservation library, laundry facilities, and computer/printing locations. The second part provides answers to frequently asked questions about services at NCTC such as receiving faxes, making phone calls, accessing the internet, controlling room temperatures, check-in/check-out procedures, and viewing the bald eagles' nest.
Glass is produced by heating silica, lime, and soda or potash to over 10000C. Other ingredients like iron oxide and lead oxide are added to modify properties. Glass consists mainly of silica which is made fusible by alkaline mixtures. Potash makes glass infusible while soda accelerates fusion. Lime provides durability and toughness. Lead oxide adds color. Glass is classified as soda lime, lead, or boro-silicate based on composition. Special forms include sheet, plate, colored, wired, structural, laminated, bulletproof, fiber, foam, and flint glass. Glass has properties like shine, stability, insulation, and transparency and is used widely in construction, decoration, insulation,
The document discusses different types of welding including butt welding, spot welding, carbon-arc welding, and metal arc welding. Butt welding involves clamping two metal pieces together face to face and applying a current through electrodes to reach melting temperature. Spot welding is commonly used to join sheets and can be operated by semi-skilled workers. Carbon-arc welding uses a carbon electrode and is suitable for non-ferrous metals. Metal arc welding produces an electrical arc between a consumable electrode and workpiece to fuse the metals together.
This document provides an introduction to sharks, discussing what they are, where they live, what they eat, their anatomy, different types of sharks, a video of sharks, and some fun facts. Sharks have cartilage skeletons instead of bones and can be found in every ocean as well as some rivers and lakes. They prey on fish, rays, seals, and other marine animals. The document outlines several types of sharks and includes a diagram of a shark's anatomy. It concludes with some interesting shark facts, such as that the Swell Shark barks and shark skin can be used to make durable leather goods.
The document provides information about Hindu beliefs and practices related to death and mourning. It discusses:
1) Hindu beliefs about death being a detachment from suffering and a new attachment to God, and that one's fate after death depends on their karma.
2) Hindu death rituals including positioning the body, applying sacred items, prayers around the body, and cremation practices like carrying the body around the pyre.
3) Post-cremation rituals like bone gathering, bathing to remove ritual impurity, and restrictions during mourning like not visiting temples for a year.
4) How families cope with loss through memorial meals on specific days and annual death anniversary ceremonies.
The document discusses different religious traditions' funeral rites and beliefs about the afterlife. Hindus typically practice cremation and the ashes are scattered in water. Islamic funerals involve washing and wrapping the body simply before burial. Zoroastrians lay bodies in 'Towers of Silence' to be exposed and picked clean by birds rather than buried or cremated.
The document discusses Buddhist teachings and practices related to dealing with illness, death, and grief. It provides examples from the Buddha's own experiences with death and describes how prominent disciples like Sariputta and Maha Moggallana died. It then gives details on the Buddha's own passing, including how his body was prepared and cremated according to custom, and how his relics were divided and enshrined in stupas by followers. The Buddha taught his disciples to accept death as a natural part of life and not to grieve in an unwholesome way.
The document summarizes some key beliefs and practices in Sikhism. It outlines the two sacred texts, the five virtues of equality, truthfulness, and controlling vices. It describes ceremonies for birth, marriage, initiation, and death. Major holidays are discussed, including celebrating the spring harvest and commemorating historical figures. Sikh worship practices are explained, occurring both individually and communally at the Golden Temple.
This document contains a map of the National Conservation Training Center campus with various buildings, trails, roads, and points of interest labeled. It also includes information about campus amenities like dining hours, the conservation library, laundry facilities, and computer/printing locations. The second part provides answers to frequently asked questions about services at NCTC such as receiving faxes, making phone calls, accessing the internet, controlling room temperatures, check-in/check-out procedures, and viewing the bald eagles' nest.
Glass is produced by heating silica, lime, and soda or potash to over 10000C. Other ingredients like iron oxide and lead oxide are added to modify properties. Glass consists mainly of silica which is made fusible by alkaline mixtures. Potash makes glass infusible while soda accelerates fusion. Lime provides durability and toughness. Lead oxide adds color. Glass is classified as soda lime, lead, or boro-silicate based on composition. Special forms include sheet, plate, colored, wired, structural, laminated, bulletproof, fiber, foam, and flint glass. Glass has properties like shine, stability, insulation, and transparency and is used widely in construction, decoration, insulation,
The document discusses different types of welding including butt welding, spot welding, carbon-arc welding, and metal arc welding. Butt welding involves clamping two metal pieces together face to face and applying a current through electrodes to reach melting temperature. Spot welding is commonly used to join sheets and can be operated by semi-skilled workers. Carbon-arc welding uses a carbon electrode and is suitable for non-ferrous metals. Metal arc welding produces an electrical arc between a consumable electrode and workpiece to fuse the metals together.
This document provides an introduction to sharks, discussing what they are, where they live, what they eat, their anatomy, different types of sharks, a video of sharks, and some fun facts. Sharks have cartilage skeletons instead of bones and can be found in every ocean as well as some rivers and lakes. They prey on fish, rays, seals, and other marine animals. The document outlines several types of sharks and includes a diagram of a shark's anatomy. It concludes with some interesting shark facts, such as that the Swell Shark barks and shark skin can be used to make durable leather goods.
The document provides information about Hindu beliefs and practices related to death and mourning. It discusses:
1) Hindu beliefs about death being a detachment from suffering and a new attachment to God, and that one's fate after death depends on their karma.
2) Hindu death rituals including positioning the body, applying sacred items, prayers around the body, and cremation practices like carrying the body around the pyre.
3) Post-cremation rituals like bone gathering, bathing to remove ritual impurity, and restrictions during mourning like not visiting temples for a year.
4) How families cope with loss through memorial meals on specific days and annual death anniversary ceremonies.
The document discusses different religious traditions' funeral rites and beliefs about the afterlife. Hindus typically practice cremation and the ashes are scattered in water. Islamic funerals involve washing and wrapping the body simply before burial. Zoroastrians lay bodies in 'Towers of Silence' to be exposed and picked clean by birds rather than buried or cremated.
The document discusses Buddhist teachings and practices related to dealing with illness, death, and grief. It provides examples from the Buddha's own experiences with death and describes how prominent disciples like Sariputta and Maha Moggallana died. It then gives details on the Buddha's own passing, including how his body was prepared and cremated according to custom, and how his relics were divided and enshrined in stupas by followers. The Buddha taught his disciples to accept death as a natural part of life and not to grieve in an unwholesome way.
The document summarizes some key beliefs and practices in Sikhism. It outlines the two sacred texts, the five virtues of equality, truthfulness, and controlling vices. It describes ceremonies for birth, marriage, initiation, and death. Major holidays are discussed, including celebrating the spring harvest and commemorating historical figures. Sikh worship practices are explained, occurring both individually and communally at the Golden Temple.
Sikh funeral rites involve washing and dressing the body, surrounding it with flowers, and holding a ceremony called "Antum Sanskaar" where the soul's journey to divine unity is celebrated. The funeral is a quiet, subdued gathering where prayers and scriptures are recited. Cremation follows, with ashes scattered in flowing water. On the one-year anniversary, family and congregation gather to pray, share a meal, and praise God's role in reincarnation.
The document provides information about funeral rituals and beliefs in different religions and cultures, including:
- Buddhist funerals involve chanting scriptures, cremating or burying the body, and believing in rebirth and escaping the cycle of death to reach perfect peace.
- Catholic and Christian funerals include beliefs in an afterlife, preparing the body, holding funeral masses and burying the deceased.
- Hindu funerals require the eldest son to lead funeral rites, and the body is typically cremated.
- Muslim rituals involve washing, shrouding and burying the body within 24 hours facing Mecca, with a 40 day mourning period and restrictions on women attending burials.
The document discusses death rituals and beliefs around death in several cultures and religions. Judaism believes the soul returns to heaven after death, and the body is treated with respect both in life and in death. Hindus believe in reincarnation and cremate their dead to help the soul move to a new life. Muslims focus on preparing the dying person for death rather than the body, and Chinese pay respects to their dead as if they are still living and provide for their needs in the afterlife. Though rituals vary greatly between faiths and places, they generally stem from shared core beliefs about what happens after death.
Hindu beliefs about life, death, and the afterlife:
1) Life is seen as a temporary transition to resolve karma and potentially achieve moksha (liberation from samsara or the cycle of rebirth).
2) A good death occurs when one has lived well according to dharma, in old age, with rituals performed, and with the mind fixed on God.
3) After death, the soul is led by Yama's representative to hell, the realm of ancestors, or the gods depending on karma before potential rebirth.
Rambu solo and ma’nene’, unique funeral traditionAnang Febrianto
1. The document describes the unique funeral traditions of the Toraja people in Tana Toraja, Indonesia, including the Rambu Solo ceremony.
2. A key part of Rambu Solo is the slaughter of buffalo, with more being slaughtered for more honorable deceased. The meat is given to guests and noted as a debt.
3. Toraja beliefs include the soul taking a gradual journey to Puya after death and needing buffalo to make the trip faster. Bodies are kept for weeks, months or years until funds are raised for the full ceremony.
The Ancient Egyptians believed that after death, one's heart would be weighed against the Feather of Truth to determine if they could enter the perfect afterlife or be devoured. The Book of the Dead, buried with mummies, contained spells and passages to guide souls through trials in the Underworld and judgment in the Hall of the Two Truths by Osiris and 42 other judges. If deemed righteous, souls would dwell in Everlasting Paradise with departed loved ones and continue their roles from life.
This document provides an overview of the key aspects of Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan. It explains that Shinto is based on the worship of nature and ancestors. Central to Shinto are kami, which are spirits believed to inhabit natural phenomena. Shrines called jinja are places where kami are housed and rituals like purification ceremonies are performed. Amulets and talismans like ofuda provide protection. Festivals, weddings and rituals like sumo wrestling also have religious significance in Shinto. Respect for nature and ancestors are important tenets of the religion.
Islamic law requires that a deceased Muslim be buried as soon as possible after death. The body is to be washed, shrouded, and buried without embalming or cremation. Women's hair should be braided and they are dressed in an ankle-length sleeveless dress. The body is taken to the mosque for prayer and then to the cemetery for burial. After burial, the family receives visitors and mourns for 40 days.
Buddhi Pooja is a cultural ceremony practiced by people in Sri Lanka to honor Buddha. During this ceremony, which takes place every Saturday for three months, families take turns sponsoring the event, providing food and supplies. Women wear long skirts or jeans, while men wear casual clothes except for monks who wear orange robes. The ritual involves cleaning shrines, making offerings, chanting, passing items around in a semi-circle, and prayers in the temple.
The document discusses burial practices and beliefs about the afterlife in several ancient cultures and modern Canada. Mesopotamians had a negative view of death and buried bodies without preservation. Ancient Egyptians preserved bodies through mummification and buried valuables to use in the afterlife. Romans initially cremated bodies but later buried them when Christianity became dominant. Vikings believed the brave dead went to Valhalla while others went to the terrible place of Hel. Modern Canadian burials and funerals vary depending on religion and culture.
The burial process begins by washing the corpse with palm wine and Nile water. The brain is then removed through the nose using a hook. The body is covered in natron salts for 40 days to dry it out. After drying, the organs and sawdust are placed back in the body, which is anointed with oils and wrapped in linen with amulets placed between layers. A funeral is held and the mummy is placed in a coffin to be buried with possessions.
The document discusses several key aspects of Tausug culture and beliefs, including their religious practices and traditions. It outlines the Five Pillars of Islam that form the foundation of Muslim life. It also describes Tausug beliefs about life after death, supernatural spirits, healing practices, baptism rituals, burial customs, rites of passage ceremonies, and traditions around conflict, dietary restrictions, prayer, and hijab.
Funerals in Medieval England served religious, social, and practical purposes. The church used funerals to remind the living that they must not fall into sin if they wished to avoid eternal damnation in hell. Rituals involved preparing the body, processions to the church, and burial. Burial locations could be chosen by the deceased's will or family and included parish graveyards or abroad for nobility. Funerals were community events involving prayers, litanies, and mass to aid the deceased soul's passage to the afterlife.
The document summarizes various traditions and superstitions surrounding death and funerals in rural areas. Some key points include:
1) Near-death rituals involve calling a priest to administer last rites and sacraments. Family and neighbors pray in another room while rites are performed.
2) After death, the body is prepared according to marital status with specific clothing. Items are placed in the coffin along with the deceased's possessions.
3) A singer leads prayers and songs at the deceased's home and funeral. Superstitions include not leaving the deceased alone and keeping lights on. Mirrors are covered to prevent the deceased's reflection.
4) A mourning party after the funeral
Celebrating the departed around the world 2010digenti
The document discusses various cultural traditions around the world related to honoring and remembering the dead. It provides details on celebrations such as the Mexican Day of the Dead, All Saints' Day, traditions in Guatemala, Haiti, Ghana, Japan, Cambodia, Ukraine, India, and Halloween in the USA. These traditions incorporate prayer, food offerings, lighting candles or lamps, visiting gravesites, and remembering deceased loved ones through stories and celebrations.
59 Your Visit to Varanasi, IndiaImagine that you’r.docxblondellchancy
59
Your Visit to Varanasi, India
I
magine that you’re on a visit to the city of
Varanasi (vuh-RAH-nuh-see) as a part of a tour
of India. You know that Varanasi, located on the
Ganges (GAN-jeez) River in north India, is unique
among the cities of the world, but nothing can
quite prepare you for its sights, sounds, and smells.
Your visit begins with a pre-dawn boat ride on the
Ganges. As your rowboat glides along the river, you see
Hindu pilgrims on the western shore of the river descending
the wide steps—two miles of them at Varanasi— leading
down to the water. They wash themselves
physically and spiritually, and pray toward
the rising sun. A man dressed only in a
loincloth and his sacred thread fi lls a
small copper kettle with river water and
then pours it out in a small stream while
saying a prayer in the ancient Sanskrit
language. After the boat ride, you walk
to the Golden Temple, the most sacred of
the city’s many shrines dedicated to
Shiva (SHEE-vuh), the patron deity
of Varanasi. You see Hindus making
off erings of fl owers to the black
stone emblem of Shiva. You also
visit the newer Hindu temple inau-
gurated by Mohandas Gandhi, the
father of modern Indian indepen-
dence. You return to the hotel for
breakfast before taking a guided
tour of Varanasi.
As you walk with your
group through the narrow, twist-
ing streets down to the river, you
pass several cows wandering
freely, and even a bull sacred
to Shiva. You notice many small
temples and even smaller shrines that seem to be everywhere.
You also notice many old, frail people, some in the doorways of
ashrams and others living on the street, who have come to die
in Varanasi in the hope of achieving liberation from the cycle
of endless reincarnation. You see human bodies, wrapped
and propped up on rickshaws, on their way to the water. As
you get close to the Ganges, you notice three men with
wild hair, squatting on a stone platform overlook-
ing the river. You can’t tell if they are wearing
anything at all, and your tour guide explains that
their bodies are smeared with ash and dried cow
dung. They are smoking hashish in a pipe, praising
Shiva loudly as they draw on the pipe. (You wince
when one of your tour mates makes a pun about
“ganja on the Ganges.”) On the right you see a
large group of women bathing fully clothed
in the water near
the steps, and in
a separate but
close-by area a
group of men in
Indian loincloths. Both the men
and the women have come
to wash away their sins, and
perhaps even the necessity of
reincarnation. The river seems
polluted to you, but this means
nothing to the thousands of
Hindus who worship in it.
“Encountering Hinduism is like your fi rst visit to an Indian buffet. You can’t sample
everything, but if you choose a good variety you’ll have a good introduction.”
Hinduism is mostly about
escaping this material world.
Strongly Disagree Strongly Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
...
The document discusses religion in the Indus Valley Civilization based on archaeological remains. It summarizes that the civilization likely worshipped a mother goddess and male deity based on figurines and seals. Ritual aspects included worship of trees, animals, fire, and water. Burial practices involved both full and partial burials outside cities. However, the philosophical aspects of religion cannot be fully understood without deciphering the script. Regional variations may have existed in the vast Indus Valley region.
The document discusses religion in the Indus Valley Civilization based on archaeological remains. It summarizes that the civilization likely had nature, fertility, and fire-based rituals centered around a mother goddess and Pashupati figure. Ritual aspects included figurines, seals depicting sacrifice, and elaborate burial practices. However, the lack of written texts means the philosophical aspects of their religion cannot be fully understood and interpretations are based on assumptions from material artifacts that show some regional variations.
The Yogads are an indigenous group living in four towns in Isabela, Philippines. They were originally Kalinga people who converted to Christianity under Spanish influence, while maintaining many traditional customs and beliefs. The Yogads live in wood and thatch houses and rely on agriculture, hunting, and basket weaving for their livelihood. They have numerous rituals for important life events like marriage, birth, death, and agriculture that incorporate offerings, dances, and prayers intended to communicate with spirits and ensure prosperity, protection, and smooth life transitions.
Punjabi culture in Malaysia originated from immigrants from the Punjab region of India and Pakistan in the 19th century. The majority practice Sikhism, following the teachings of Guru Nanak. Their holy book is the Guru Granth Sahib. Festivals include Vaisakhi in April, which marks the creation of the Khalsa order, and Gurupurbs which honor the ten Sikh gurus. Traditional Punjabi cuisine includes vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes like butter chicken and naan bread. Music features the energetic Bhangra dance accompanied by drums. Women typically wear the salwar kameez and dupatta while men don the kurta and turban.
Sikh funeral rites involve washing and dressing the body, surrounding it with flowers, and holding a ceremony called "Antum Sanskaar" where the soul's journey to divine unity is celebrated. The funeral is a quiet, subdued gathering where prayers and scriptures are recited. Cremation follows, with ashes scattered in flowing water. On the one-year anniversary, family and congregation gather to pray, share a meal, and praise God's role in reincarnation.
The document provides information about funeral rituals and beliefs in different religions and cultures, including:
- Buddhist funerals involve chanting scriptures, cremating or burying the body, and believing in rebirth and escaping the cycle of death to reach perfect peace.
- Catholic and Christian funerals include beliefs in an afterlife, preparing the body, holding funeral masses and burying the deceased.
- Hindu funerals require the eldest son to lead funeral rites, and the body is typically cremated.
- Muslim rituals involve washing, shrouding and burying the body within 24 hours facing Mecca, with a 40 day mourning period and restrictions on women attending burials.
The document discusses death rituals and beliefs around death in several cultures and religions. Judaism believes the soul returns to heaven after death, and the body is treated with respect both in life and in death. Hindus believe in reincarnation and cremate their dead to help the soul move to a new life. Muslims focus on preparing the dying person for death rather than the body, and Chinese pay respects to their dead as if they are still living and provide for their needs in the afterlife. Though rituals vary greatly between faiths and places, they generally stem from shared core beliefs about what happens after death.
Hindu beliefs about life, death, and the afterlife:
1) Life is seen as a temporary transition to resolve karma and potentially achieve moksha (liberation from samsara or the cycle of rebirth).
2) A good death occurs when one has lived well according to dharma, in old age, with rituals performed, and with the mind fixed on God.
3) After death, the soul is led by Yama's representative to hell, the realm of ancestors, or the gods depending on karma before potential rebirth.
Rambu solo and ma’nene’, unique funeral traditionAnang Febrianto
1. The document describes the unique funeral traditions of the Toraja people in Tana Toraja, Indonesia, including the Rambu Solo ceremony.
2. A key part of Rambu Solo is the slaughter of buffalo, with more being slaughtered for more honorable deceased. The meat is given to guests and noted as a debt.
3. Toraja beliefs include the soul taking a gradual journey to Puya after death and needing buffalo to make the trip faster. Bodies are kept for weeks, months or years until funds are raised for the full ceremony.
The Ancient Egyptians believed that after death, one's heart would be weighed against the Feather of Truth to determine if they could enter the perfect afterlife or be devoured. The Book of the Dead, buried with mummies, contained spells and passages to guide souls through trials in the Underworld and judgment in the Hall of the Two Truths by Osiris and 42 other judges. If deemed righteous, souls would dwell in Everlasting Paradise with departed loved ones and continue their roles from life.
This document provides an overview of the key aspects of Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan. It explains that Shinto is based on the worship of nature and ancestors. Central to Shinto are kami, which are spirits believed to inhabit natural phenomena. Shrines called jinja are places where kami are housed and rituals like purification ceremonies are performed. Amulets and talismans like ofuda provide protection. Festivals, weddings and rituals like sumo wrestling also have religious significance in Shinto. Respect for nature and ancestors are important tenets of the religion.
Islamic law requires that a deceased Muslim be buried as soon as possible after death. The body is to be washed, shrouded, and buried without embalming or cremation. Women's hair should be braided and they are dressed in an ankle-length sleeveless dress. The body is taken to the mosque for prayer and then to the cemetery for burial. After burial, the family receives visitors and mourns for 40 days.
Buddhi Pooja is a cultural ceremony practiced by people in Sri Lanka to honor Buddha. During this ceremony, which takes place every Saturday for three months, families take turns sponsoring the event, providing food and supplies. Women wear long skirts or jeans, while men wear casual clothes except for monks who wear orange robes. The ritual involves cleaning shrines, making offerings, chanting, passing items around in a semi-circle, and prayers in the temple.
The document discusses burial practices and beliefs about the afterlife in several ancient cultures and modern Canada. Mesopotamians had a negative view of death and buried bodies without preservation. Ancient Egyptians preserved bodies through mummification and buried valuables to use in the afterlife. Romans initially cremated bodies but later buried them when Christianity became dominant. Vikings believed the brave dead went to Valhalla while others went to the terrible place of Hel. Modern Canadian burials and funerals vary depending on religion and culture.
The burial process begins by washing the corpse with palm wine and Nile water. The brain is then removed through the nose using a hook. The body is covered in natron salts for 40 days to dry it out. After drying, the organs and sawdust are placed back in the body, which is anointed with oils and wrapped in linen with amulets placed between layers. A funeral is held and the mummy is placed in a coffin to be buried with possessions.
The document discusses several key aspects of Tausug culture and beliefs, including their religious practices and traditions. It outlines the Five Pillars of Islam that form the foundation of Muslim life. It also describes Tausug beliefs about life after death, supernatural spirits, healing practices, baptism rituals, burial customs, rites of passage ceremonies, and traditions around conflict, dietary restrictions, prayer, and hijab.
Funerals in Medieval England served religious, social, and practical purposes. The church used funerals to remind the living that they must not fall into sin if they wished to avoid eternal damnation in hell. Rituals involved preparing the body, processions to the church, and burial. Burial locations could be chosen by the deceased's will or family and included parish graveyards or abroad for nobility. Funerals were community events involving prayers, litanies, and mass to aid the deceased soul's passage to the afterlife.
The document summarizes various traditions and superstitions surrounding death and funerals in rural areas. Some key points include:
1) Near-death rituals involve calling a priest to administer last rites and sacraments. Family and neighbors pray in another room while rites are performed.
2) After death, the body is prepared according to marital status with specific clothing. Items are placed in the coffin along with the deceased's possessions.
3) A singer leads prayers and songs at the deceased's home and funeral. Superstitions include not leaving the deceased alone and keeping lights on. Mirrors are covered to prevent the deceased's reflection.
4) A mourning party after the funeral
Celebrating the departed around the world 2010digenti
The document discusses various cultural traditions around the world related to honoring and remembering the dead. It provides details on celebrations such as the Mexican Day of the Dead, All Saints' Day, traditions in Guatemala, Haiti, Ghana, Japan, Cambodia, Ukraine, India, and Halloween in the USA. These traditions incorporate prayer, food offerings, lighting candles or lamps, visiting gravesites, and remembering deceased loved ones through stories and celebrations.
59 Your Visit to Varanasi, IndiaImagine that you’r.docxblondellchancy
59
Your Visit to Varanasi, India
I
magine that you’re on a visit to the city of
Varanasi (vuh-RAH-nuh-see) as a part of a tour
of India. You know that Varanasi, located on the
Ganges (GAN-jeez) River in north India, is unique
among the cities of the world, but nothing can
quite prepare you for its sights, sounds, and smells.
Your visit begins with a pre-dawn boat ride on the
Ganges. As your rowboat glides along the river, you see
Hindu pilgrims on the western shore of the river descending
the wide steps—two miles of them at Varanasi— leading
down to the water. They wash themselves
physically and spiritually, and pray toward
the rising sun. A man dressed only in a
loincloth and his sacred thread fi lls a
small copper kettle with river water and
then pours it out in a small stream while
saying a prayer in the ancient Sanskrit
language. After the boat ride, you walk
to the Golden Temple, the most sacred of
the city’s many shrines dedicated to
Shiva (SHEE-vuh), the patron deity
of Varanasi. You see Hindus making
off erings of fl owers to the black
stone emblem of Shiva. You also
visit the newer Hindu temple inau-
gurated by Mohandas Gandhi, the
father of modern Indian indepen-
dence. You return to the hotel for
breakfast before taking a guided
tour of Varanasi.
As you walk with your
group through the narrow, twist-
ing streets down to the river, you
pass several cows wandering
freely, and even a bull sacred
to Shiva. You notice many small
temples and even smaller shrines that seem to be everywhere.
You also notice many old, frail people, some in the doorways of
ashrams and others living on the street, who have come to die
in Varanasi in the hope of achieving liberation from the cycle
of endless reincarnation. You see human bodies, wrapped
and propped up on rickshaws, on their way to the water. As
you get close to the Ganges, you notice three men with
wild hair, squatting on a stone platform overlook-
ing the river. You can’t tell if they are wearing
anything at all, and your tour guide explains that
their bodies are smeared with ash and dried cow
dung. They are smoking hashish in a pipe, praising
Shiva loudly as they draw on the pipe. (You wince
when one of your tour mates makes a pun about
“ganja on the Ganges.”) On the right you see a
large group of women bathing fully clothed
in the water near
the steps, and in
a separate but
close-by area a
group of men in
Indian loincloths. Both the men
and the women have come
to wash away their sins, and
perhaps even the necessity of
reincarnation. The river seems
polluted to you, but this means
nothing to the thousands of
Hindus who worship in it.
“Encountering Hinduism is like your fi rst visit to an Indian buffet. You can’t sample
everything, but if you choose a good variety you’ll have a good introduction.”
Hinduism is mostly about
escaping this material world.
Strongly Disagree Strongly Agree
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
...
The document discusses religion in the Indus Valley Civilization based on archaeological remains. It summarizes that the civilization likely worshipped a mother goddess and male deity based on figurines and seals. Ritual aspects included worship of trees, animals, fire, and water. Burial practices involved both full and partial burials outside cities. However, the philosophical aspects of religion cannot be fully understood without deciphering the script. Regional variations may have existed in the vast Indus Valley region.
The document discusses religion in the Indus Valley Civilization based on archaeological remains. It summarizes that the civilization likely had nature, fertility, and fire-based rituals centered around a mother goddess and Pashupati figure. Ritual aspects included figurines, seals depicting sacrifice, and elaborate burial practices. However, the lack of written texts means the philosophical aspects of their religion cannot be fully understood and interpretations are based on assumptions from material artifacts that show some regional variations.
The Yogads are an indigenous group living in four towns in Isabela, Philippines. They were originally Kalinga people who converted to Christianity under Spanish influence, while maintaining many traditional customs and beliefs. The Yogads live in wood and thatch houses and rely on agriculture, hunting, and basket weaving for their livelihood. They have numerous rituals for important life events like marriage, birth, death, and agriculture that incorporate offerings, dances, and prayers intended to communicate with spirits and ensure prosperity, protection, and smooth life transitions.
Punjabi culture in Malaysia originated from immigrants from the Punjab region of India and Pakistan in the 19th century. The majority practice Sikhism, following the teachings of Guru Nanak. Their holy book is the Guru Granth Sahib. Festivals include Vaisakhi in April, which marks the creation of the Khalsa order, and Gurupurbs which honor the ten Sikh gurus. Traditional Punjabi cuisine includes vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes like butter chicken and naan bread. Music features the energetic Bhangra dance accompanied by drums. Women typically wear the salwar kameez and dupatta while men don the kurta and turban.
3. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Mal
dives, and Pakistan
When near death
Those around him are called
upon to give comfort, reminders
of God’s mercy and forgiveness
may recite verses from Qur’an
4. strive to bury the
deceased as soon as
possible after death,
avoiding the need for
embalming or otherwise
disturbing the body of
the deceased
Upon death
Eyes of the deceased should be
cl0sed
Body covered temporarily with a
clean sheet
forbidden for those in
mourning to excessively wail,
scream, or thrash about
5. Preparation for burial
▪ the family or other
members of the
community will wash and
shroud the body except
for the deceased killed as
a martyr
▪ body will then be wrapped
in sheets of clean, white
cloth (called the kafan)
while martyrs are buried in
the clothes they died in
6. Funeral Prayers
▪ deceased is then
transported to the site of
the funeral prayers (salat-l-
janazah)
▪ The community gathers,
and the imam (prayer
leader) stands in front of the
deceased, facing away from
the worshippers
7. Burial
deceased is then taken to the
cemetery for burial (al-dafin)
only the men of the
community accompany the
body to the gravesite
deceased is laid in the grave
(without a coffin if permitted
by local law) on his or her
right side, facing Mecca
it is discouraged for people to
erect tombstones, elaborate
markers, or put flowers
8. Mourning
▪ Loved ones and relatives are to observe
a 3-day mourning period
▪ Widows observe an extended mourning
period (iddah), 4 months and 10 days
long
9.
10. Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka
the monastic Sangha plays a prominent role in
the funeral proceedings
offering of cloth on behalf of the dead (mataka-
vastra-puja)
done prior to the cremation or the burial of the body
Monks are assembled in the home of the dead person
or in the cemetery
proceedings begin with the administration of the Five
Precepts to the assembled crowd by one of the monks
11. offering of a length of new white cloth to the
monks
▪ The cloth, called a pamsukula — literally, a dust-heap
cloth — is intended to be cut into pieces and then
stitched into a robe
pouring of water
▪ close relatives of the deceased sit together on a mat and
they pour water from a vessel into a cup placed within a
plate until the cup overflows
▪ the monks intone in unison the stanzas extracted from
theTirokuddha Sutta of the Khuddakapatha
12. preaching for the benefit
of the dead (mataka-
bana)
▪ conduct a monk to the
house of the dead person,
generally on the third day
(or occasionally on any day
within a week) after the
funeral and to request him
to preach a sermon suited
to the occasion
13. At the end of the
sermon, the monk gets
the relatives to recite the
necessary stanzas to
transfer to the deceased
the merits acquired by
organizing the event
a gift is offered to the
monk, and the invitees are
also served with
refreshments
14. offering in the name of the dead (mataka-dana)
▪ Three months from the date of death, it is customary to
hold an almsgiving (sanghika dana) in memory of the
deceased and thence to repeat it annually
15. Some Buddhists also cremate
bodies, while others perform
sky burials, in which a dead
body is cut up and left at sacred
sites for vultures to eat.
Buddhists believe the soul is
immortal and that the body is
only a shell to hold the spirit.
They believe it is better for
other creature to benefit from
the body, rather than letting it
rot.
16.
17. India, Nepal and Sri Lanka
As death approaches
The person is placed in his room or in the
entryway of the house, with the head facing east.
A lamp is lit near his head, and he is urged to
concentrate on his mantra.
Kindred keep vigil until the great departure,
singing hymns, praying and reading scripture.
18. The moment of death
Holy ash or sandal paste is applied to the forehead
Vedic verses are chanted
a few drops of milk, Ganga or other holy water are
trickled into the mouth
After death, the body is laid in the home's entryway,
with the head facing south, on a cot or the ground –
reflecting a return to the lap of Mother Earth.
lamp is kept lit near the head and incense burned
19. A cloth is tied under the chin and over the top of
the head.
The thumbs are tied together, as are the big toes.
Religious pictures are turned to the wall, and in
some traditions mirrors are covered.
20. The Homa Fire Ritual
a fire ritual (homa) is
performed to bless nine
brass kumbhas (water pots)
and one clay pot
The "chief mourner" leads
the rites. He is the eldest son
in the case of the father's
death, and the youngest son
in the case of the mother's
21. Preparing the Body
The chief mourner now performs arati, passing an oil
lamp over the remains, then offering flowers.
The male (or female, depending on the gender of the
deceased) relatives carry the body to the back porch,
remove the clothes and drape it with a white cloth.
Each applies sesame oil to the head, and the body is
bathed with water from the nine kumbhas, dressed,
placed in a coffin (or on a palanquin) and carried to
the homa shelter.
22. The young children, holding small lighted sticks,
encircle the body, singing hymns.
The women then walk around the body and offer
puffed rice into the mouth to nourish the
deceased for the journey ahead.
A widow will place her tali (wedding pendant)
around her husband's neck, signifying her
enduring tie to him.
23. Cremation
Only men go to the cremation site, led by
the chief mourner
Two pots are carried: the clay kumbha and
other containing burning embers from the
homa.
The body is carried three times
counterclockwise around the pyre, then
placed upon it.
Men offer puffed rice as the women did
earlier, cover the body with wood and
offer incense and ghee.
With the clay pot on his left shoulder, the
chief mourner circles the pyre while
holding a fire brand behind his back.
24. At each turn around the pyre, a relative knocks a
hole in the pot with a knife, letting water out,
signifying life is leaving its vessel.
At the end of three turns, the chief mourner drops
the pot.Then, without turning to face the body,
he lights the pyre and leaves the cremation
grounds.
25. At a gas-fueled crematorium, sacred wood and ghee are
placed inside the coffin with the body.Where permitted, the
body is carried around the chamber, and a small fire is lit in
the coffin before it is consigned to the flames.The cremation
switch then is engaged by the chief mourner.
26. Return Home; Ritual Impurity
Returning home, all bathe and share in cleaning
the house.
A lamp and a water pot are set where the body lay
in state.
The water is changed daily, and pictures remain
turned to the wall.
The shrine room is closed, with white cloth
draping all icons.
27. Bone-GatheringCeremony
About 12 hours after cremation, family men
return to collect the remains.
Water is sprinkled on the ash; the remains are
collected on a large tray.
Ashes are carried or sent to India for deposition in
the Ganges or placed in an auspicious river or the
ocean, along with garlands and flowers.
28. First Memorial
On the 3rd, 5th, 7th or 9th day, relatives gather for
a meal of the deceased's favorite foods.
A portion is offered before his photo and later
ceremonially left at an abandoned place, along
with some lit camphor.
Some offer pinda (rice balls) daily for nine days.
29. 31st-Day Memorial
On the 31st day, a memorial service is held.
A priest purifies the home and performs the
sapindikarana, making one large pinda
(representing the deceased) and three small,
representing the father, grandfather and great-
grandfather.
The pindas are fed to the crows, to a cow or
thrown in a river for the fish.
30. One-Year Memorial
At the yearly anniversary of the death (according
to the moon calendar), a priest conducts the
shraddha rites in the home, offering pinda to the
ancestors.
31.
32. Indian Subcontinent
Preparation andViewing of the Body
The body of the recently deceased is washed in
gomez (unconsecrated bull’s urine) and water
The clothes he will wear and the room in which he will
lie before final disposal are also washed clean.
The body is then placed on a clean white sheet and
visitors are allowed to pay their respects, although
they are forbidden to touch.
A dog will twice be brought into the corpse’s presence
to keep away demons in a ritual called sagdid.
33. Wards Against Contamination
Once the body is prepared, it is handed over to
professional corpse-bearers, who are now the only
people allowed to touch the corpse.
The cloth on which the body rests is wound around it
like a shroud, and then the body is placed either on a
stone slab on or in a shallowly dug out space on the
ground.
Circles are drawn on the ground around the corpse as
a spiritual barrier against corruption and as a warning
for visitors to keep a safe distance.
Fire is also brought into the room and fed with
fragrant woods such as frankincense and sandalwood.
34. Final Rites atTheTower of Silence
▪ The body is traditionally moved within one day (during the day) to
the dakhma orTower of Silence.
▪ Mourners who follow the body also always travel in pairs, each pair
holding a piece of cloth between them known as a paiwand.
▪ A pair of priests makes prayers, and then all in attendance bow to
the body out of respect.They wash with gomez and water before
leaving the site and then take a regular bath when they return
home.
▪ At the dakhma, the shroud and clothes are removed through the
use of tools rather than bare hands and are then destroyed.
▪ The dakhma is a wide tower with a platform open to the sky.
▪ Corpses are left on the platform to be picked clean by vultures, a
process which only takes a few hours.
▪ The remaining bones are deposited into a pit at the base of the
dakhma.
36. Ritual Mourning and Remembrance AfterThe Funeral
▪ Prayers are regularly said for the dead for the first three days after
death, for this is the time that the soul is understood to remain on
earth.
▪ On the fourth day, the soul and its guardian fravashi ascend to
Chinvat, the bridge of judgment.
▪ During this three-day mourning period, family and friends generally
avoid eating meat, and no food is cooked in the house where the
body was prepared. Instead, relatives prepare food in their own
homes and bring it to the immediate family.
▪ At the home, fragrant woods continue to be burnt for three days. In
the winter, no one may enter the immediate area where the body
rested for ten days and a lamp is left burning during this time.
▪ In summer this is done for thirty days.