Life Beyond Death
The purpose of death
The nature of life beyond death
How we can prepare for death
How we can assist the dying
Proper Treatment of the Body
After the 24 to 72 hour transition period, it's best to cremate the body rather than to bury it in tact. After cremation, the ashes should be scattered in the ocean or in a river, or across a wide area of natural terrain. Do not bury the ashes in a cemetery or mausoleum and do not keep them at home.
In earlier times, bodies were buried in a simple wooden box or wrapped in cloth. As a result, decomposition took place quickly, within a matter of days. Today, with embalming techniques and the use of a concrete vault, the body can take many months to decompose. Until then, it may become the focus of attention for the subtle body of the departed, or others. Cremation is cleaner and prevents these possible distractions during the early stages of death.
Contacting the Departed
In general, it's not a good idea to try to contact the departed, either directly or through a so-called "medium". There are very few genuine and honest mediums in the world. For the most part, they exploit grief and fear at a time when people are most vulnerable. Or, the medium may contact a ghost who is able to get information and pretend to be the departed, for their own selfish benefit.
Even if a true medium can contact the departed, such contacts are made on the mental plane. But the departed are moving beyond the mental plant, toward the spiritual plane. As a result, any contact from a medium pulls against the natural flow of evolution.
Know that your loved one is still very much alive on the inner planes. Keep their picture and feel your love whenever you think of them. Tell them that you love them and miss their physical presence. They will not be able to hear your words or thoughts, but they will feel your love. Words and thoughts do not reach the spiritual plane. But love is like a beam of light that will reach your loved ones where ever they are. They will feel your love and return it to you along the same beam.
Shraddha Yagya
In addition to the usual funeral rites, a Shraddha Yagya is highly recommended. This is an ancient Vedic ceremony performed by Hindu Pundits in India. The ceremony lasts 13 days, during which time the names of God are continuously chanted while offerings of flowers, rice, fruit and ghee are placed into a fire, all in the name of the departed person. The Shraddha Yagya may be started immediately after the cremation, or can begin anytime up to several years thereafter.
The Shraddha Yagya helps the subtle body to sever its connection with the Earth plane and move on to the highest possible stage of evolution. It also helps to purify the karma of the surviving family members and the ancestors, going back several generations. During the Shraddha Yagya, gifts are given to Brahmin families and to the poor, in order to purify the karma of the departed. These gifts include beds, food, clothing, cows and money.
If you would like to arrange a Shraddha Yagya for someone who is dying or recently departed, please contact me and I will direct you to the right people who can make the necessary arrangements.
