Question asked by Tan
Dear pastors,
Normally after one person death, how long should we keep the body to make sure the person already left? How should we prepare the environment for funeral? Should it be quiet throughout the whole period? Is it better to not invite people during the first 2 weeks to not disturb the dead person?
Dear Tan,
It is advisable to wait three and half to four days to ensure that the process of death is completed, that is, when there is complete separation of the bardo body from its human body. During this time and during the funeral, we should make sure there is no excessive expressions of grief and unnecessary arguments among the family members. It is good for the family to sit quietly, recite prayers and mantras and dedicate the merits to the deceased. It is a custom to invite relatives and friends to the wake, the funeral as well as memorial services. The purpose of inviting friends and relatives is for them to spend time with the bereaved and show them their concern and sympathy. You can invite people but keep the funeral and post-funeral rites simple and dignified.