Buddhist funerary practices hold deep significance in the spiritual life of Tibetan Buddhists, and Nepal, with its rich Tibetan Buddhist heritage, is home to a unique blend of these practices. Tibetan Buddhists believe in the impermanence of life, viewing death not as an end but as a transition into a new cycle of existence. Funerary rituals are seen as vital for helping the departed attain a favorable rebirth and to provide peace to their souls.

This guide explores the key Tibetan funerary practices in Nepal, offering insight into the beliefs, rituals, and ceremonies that are performed to honor the deceased and support their journey beyond this life.
 

1. Tibetan Buddhist Views on Death and Rebirth

In Tibetan Buddhism, death is seen as a natural part of the cycle of existence (samsara), where beings undergo repeated births, deaths, and rebirths. The ultimate goal of Tibetan Buddhists is to break free from samsara and achieve nirvana, or liberation from suffering. This is why funerary practices are so important—they help guide the deceased's consciousness towards a favorable rebirth.

Central to these beliefs is the Bardo—the intermediate state between death and rebirth. According to Tibetan Buddhist teachings, after death, the consciousness enters the Bardo, where it experiences different stages before taking rebirth. The goal of the funeral rituals is to support the departed through this process and help them navigate the Bardo.
 

2. Preparation for the Funeral: The First Steps

Upon the death of a person, Tibetan Buddhists in Nepal begin a series of rituals designed to guide the deceased's consciousness and to prepare the body for its final rites. These rituals are generally carried out by monks and the family of the deceased, who act as primary caretakers of the spiritual and physical preparations.

a. Washing and Dressing the Body

After death, the body is typically washed, and the deceased is dressed in clean, simple clothing. In Tibetan tradition, it is believed that the body should be kept undisturbed for a certain period to allow the consciousness to leave. The deceased's body is often positioned in a reclining position, with the head facing west, as this is considered auspicious in Tibetan Buddhist culture.
 

b. Offering Prayers and Mantras

Monks or senior spiritual leaders are invited to offer prayers and mantras to help the deceased's soul transition smoothly. Mantras such as "Om Mani Padme Hum" and "Om Ah Hum" are recited, which are believed to invoke compassion and blessings. Prayers are aimed at guiding the consciousness of the deceased through the Bardo and towards a favorable rebirth.

A special prayer known as the "Phowa" is often performed. This is the practice of transferring the consciousness of the deceased to a higher realm or guiding it to a rebirth that will lead to spiritual progress.

3. The Tibetan Funeral Procession

The funeral procession is a significant part of Tibetan funerary rituals, symbolizing the transition of the deceased from this world to the next. Depending on the community and the specific Tibetan tradition, the funeral may take different forms.

a. The Cremation Process

One of the most common Tibetan funerary practices in Nepal is cremation. The deceased’s body is placed on a pyre, and a ceremony is performed to honor the spirit before the cremation begins. This is done in a Tibetan Buddhist cremation ground or an area specifically designated for this purpose. Cremation is considered an appropriate way to dispose of the body, as it allows the physical remains to return to nature while the soul is liberated to continue its journey.

b. The Sky Burial (For Some Tibetan Communities)

While less common in Nepal than in Tibet, the sky burial is another funerary tradition practiced by some Tibetan Buddhists. In this practice, the deceased's body is left exposed in a high, open place to be consumed by vultures and other scavengers. This ritual is based on the belief that the body is a mere vessel, and returning it to nature helps to break the cycle of attachment and suffering. In Nepal, this practice can be found in certain remote regions, although cremation is the more common choice in urban areas like Kathmandu and Pokhara.

4. Rituals and Prayers for the Bardo

After death, the most important aspect of Tibetan funerary rites is to guide the deceased through the Bardo. Tibetan Buddhists believe that during this period, the consciousness of the deceased encounters different realms, and if the deceased is not properly guided, they may become confused and disoriented, potentially leading to an unfavorable rebirth.

a. The "Bardo Thodol" (Tibetan Book of the Dead)

The "Bardo Thodol" is a text that outlines the stages of the Bardo and provides instructions for both the deceased and the living. It is often recited by monks in the days following the death. The text offers guidance to the deceased’s consciousness on how to recognize the different experiences in the Bardo and avoid being trapped in negative states.

• Readings of the Bardo Thodol: The text is read aloud, sometimes multiple times, during the funeral rites. The monks and the family of the deceased aim to reassure the departed and assist them in navigating the Bardo.
• Appealing to Compassion: Prayers and mantras are recited to invoke compassion and mercy from various Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and deities, helping the departed to avoid any obstacles or confusion in the Bardo.

b. The Practice of Phowa

Phowa is one of the most important practices for guiding the deceased to a higher realm. During the ceremony, a monk may perform the ritual by visualizing the consciousness of the deceased being transferred to a pure realm, such as Sukhavati, the Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha. The monk’s recitation of specific mantras, coupled with visualization techniques, is believed to aid the deceased in leaving behind worldly attachments and progressing towards spiritual liberation.
 

5. Post-Funeral Rites: Offering Liberation for the Departed

After the cremation or burial, the family continues to perform post-funeral rites to ensure the departed is guided peacefully through the Bardo and that the soul receives the necessary blessings for a good rebirth.

a. The 49 Days of Prayer

In Tibetan Buddhism, it is believed that the soul of the deceased spends 49 days in the Bardo, experiencing various stages of transition. During this period, the family and monks will continue to recite prayers, mantras, and the Bardo Thodol to assist the deceased in navigating through these stages.

• Offerings for the Departed: Offerings such as butter lamps, incense, and food may be made during the 49-day period to accumulate merit on behalf of the deceased and help their spirit find peace.

b. Merit Transfer and Dedication

One of the central aspects of Tibetan Buddhist funerary practices is the dedication of merit. The family and monks perform various rituals and acts of generosity to accumulate merit, which is then dedicated to the deceased’s soul. This merit is believed to assist the deceased in attaining a higher rebirth or ultimately achieving enlightenment.

c. Memorial Services

On the 49th day, a final memorial service is often held to mark the conclusion of the Bardo period and to honor the memory of the departed. This is a time to offer gratitude and remembrance, ensuring that the deceased’s soul is at peace and supported on its journey.

6. Conclusion

Tibetan Buddhist funerary practices in Nepal are deeply rooted in the belief in the impermanence of life and the cyclical nature of existence. These rituals, ranging from cremation to prayers for the Bardo, reflect a profound understanding of the human experience, focused on guiding the deceased toward spiritual liberation and a favorable rebirth.

Whether performed in urban monasteries or remote Tibetan communities in Nepal, these rites offer comfort to the living, help honor the deceased, and express the hope for continued spiritual progress for the soul of the departed. Through these traditions, Tibetan Buddhists in Nepal uphold a rich, sacred heritage that emphasizes compassion, wisdom, and the interconnectedness of all beings.