Death - Christianity Vs. Hinduism

Death – Christianity vs. Hinduism

Death is a part of life; everyone experiences this final act in which we have no control over. After we are born, each day brings us closer to death and it will always be something we try to stay away from. Between the Christianity and Hinduism culture, death is dealt with differently through their last rites, funeral and burials.

“Catholics see death as a passage from this life to the new, everlasting life promised by Christ. The soul of the deceased goes on to the afterlife, which includes Purgatory as well as Heaven and Hell. According to Catholic belief, the bodies of the dead will be resurrected at the end of time” (Transition Rituals 1).

In the Christian culture, the only preparation for death is righteous life. The Roman ritual is when a priest is called to sit beside the bed of the sick. He takes the patient’s confession for his reconciliation with God, which helps his soul leave the body. After the confession takes place, the Holy Eucharist is brought to ensure the passageway to bliss and glory. Once the Holy Eucharist is given, follows the Sacrament of Extreme Unction. This is when the priest announces the death-warrant, it’s important because it “…gives health not only to the soul, but also sometimes to the body” (Catholic Encyclopedia 2). Before any of this preparation begins, the room of the patient must be ready for the priest waiting for his arrival. On a table, covered with white cloth – should be a crucifix, a glass of water, a vessel containing holy water, blessed candle, a spoon and a towel. After the preparation is complete, the priest is able to anoint the sick and give his/her “last blessing.” The “last blessing” is the Apostolic benediction; this should be gained only at the hour of death. It’s a virtue granted by the bishops and acts as a resignation for the willingness to accept all sufferings of sins.

Christian funeral rites differ according to the diverse sects of the Catholic and Protestant branches of the religion. The Catholic funeral service is called the Mass of Resurrection. According to the Roman Catholic funerals, a priest anoints the deceased with oil which has been blessed by a bishop. During the funeral, Jesus Christ’s existence is remembered and connected to the deceased. Throughout the funeral mass, Eulogies are not permitted but can be delivered at a non-religious service. At the burial, there are prayers recited for the dead. A hymn is performed at the funeral and the body in the coffin is blessed with incense and sprinkled with holy water. The church persuades Catholics to be buried in Catholic cemeteries. “In 1963, the Vatican lifted the ban on cremation for Catholics. However, the cremains must be interred, not scattered or kept at home” (Transition Rituals 1). After the burial service is over, the society and the church support the mourners through a funeral mass.

“Hindus believe death is part of the continuing cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth. The soul of the dead transfers to another body after death” (Transition Rituals 1). The Hindus believe that death is the soul moving from one body to another. They believe death is blissful and very natural. A Hindu approaching death must seek peace by resolving problems and giving love to those around them.

The death rituals of the Hindus follow the caste system and family traditions. There are many rites that are performed by either a priest or a family member. According Hinduism Today, there is an outline of rites that were mentioned – As death approaches, the person is placed in their room with a lamp near their head and to concentrate on mantra. A fire ritual (homa) is performed to bless nine brass kumbhas (water pots) and a clay pot, if possible. After the person has died, the clothes are removed and a white cloth is draped over top. Sesame oil is placed on the head; the body is bathed with the blessed water (kumbhas), and dressed to be placed in a coffin. People don’t touch the body because they believe they would be in the form of contamination. The widow places her wedding pendant on her husband’s neck. Afterwards, the coffin closes. The two pots, kumba and burning embers from the homa, are carried to the cremation site. The body is covered with wood and incense. Hindu funerals are usually taken place on a street or building, entrancing into a crematorium. During the funeral, scriptures are ready from the Vedas or Bhagavad-Gita. The oldest son or male will usually start the flames circling the body, while praying for the deceased. Hindus cremate their dead because they believe that the burning symbolizes the release of the spirit; Brahma (the creator) is represented through the flames

After the cremation, all of the mourners clean the house of the deceased. During the days of ritual impurity, the family and relatives stay together and do not visit anyone or go anywhere. The family has a meal and welcomes people over for prayer offerings. A priest will go to the house and purify it with incense and spices. “In Hindu Bali, it is shameful to cry for the dead” (Hinduism Today 4). About 12 hours after the cremation, the family members go back to the cremation site to collect the bones and sprinkle water on the ash. The Hindus have many memorials on the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 31st and 1 year of the person’s death. Usually, there is a 13-day mourning period when friends would visit and give their prayers.

According to the Hindu