Читать книгу Soul Rescuers: A 21st century guide to the spirit world - Natalia O’Sullivan - Страница 31

The instinct to praise the dead is natural and ancient and one of the most important elements of any funeral service is the opportunity to celebrate the achievements and the character of the one who had died. Among the Egyptians the act of praising and lifting the atmosphere after death was part of releasing the soul of the dead to a higher place. In Ireland and elsewhere the lamentations to the dead told of their great deeds in life; their sense of humour and successes, good looks and kind hearts were praised in long rolling rhythmic phrases. Throughout the world dancing and singing is common at funerals as an expression of the belief that the soul really is moving on to another dimension. Despite the sadness and grief of death, wakes and fiestas release the weight of mourning and change the atmosphere from one of loss into one of celebration.

The Buddha himself exhorted his followers to celebrate rather than mourn his passing: ‘It is not appropriate to grieve in an hour of joy. You all weep, but is there any real cause for grief? We should look upon a sage as a person escaped from a burning mansion. My time has come, my work is done. My teachings shall last for generations so do not be disturbed.’ Releasing his disciples from grief, he encouraged them to celebrate death as the moment when knowledge dispels ignorance and the spirit is released to peace.

The natural instinct to praise and honour the dead at funerals, wakes and memorials pours a positive energy onto their memory and sheds light onto their souls. By praising the spirit we help the souls of the dead to seek their own liberation, safe in the knowledge that they were well loved and had fulfilled their promise in life.