After a loved one has passed away the Tibetans perform prayer rituals for 40 Days with the of rubbing prayer beads, lighting incense, chanting, and doing Pudja which often includes the clanging of cymbals, drumming and deep groan like murmurings to help their loved one reincarnate. These rituals have been going on in the home where we stay since our arrival and just concluded this past weekend. It was really a difficult time for the family who is unable to openly grieve their loss because of their beliefs about the afterlife. Although we obviously do not share these beliefs about reincarnation, we do believe this was a wonderful opportunity to bring the love and comfort of Jesus. We worked alongside of the family in preparation for the "reincarnation day" as a way of serving and loving them during their difficult time of loss {when the 40 day Pudja finally came to an end}. In preparation, we packed 300 bags of cookies, fruit, cakes and other symbolic foods to pass out to family and friends. We helped them clean and prepare the home for the celebration that happened last weekend. We enjoyed a deliciously prepared meal with everyone under an Indian parachute that was pitched on the rooftop as a covering from the noonday sun.
No comments:
Post a Comment