Internment of remains in various cultures. (Tibetan Sky Burial)

Welcome to a new series. This time, we will venture into the various interesting and lesser known ways of how the dearly departed are taken care of. Some are truly different and even “scary”. However, we bear in mind that there are many things different cultures do everyday which we may find strange. So, in the essence of knowledge and expansion of our minds, let’s go into the fascinating world of human remains internment.

Sky burial, also known as “jha-tor” or “dakini feast”, is a unique Tibetan Buddhist practice in which the dead are ritually dismembered and offered to vultures in an open-air ceremony on a high mountaintop. This practice is considered to be a sacred and meaningful way of disposing of the dead, and is believed to be a way of providing sustenance to the vultures, who are seen as a form of divine being in Tibetan culture.

In Tibetan culture, death is viewed as a natural and inevitable part of life, and the body is seen as an empty vessel that has no significance once the person has passed away. The focus is on the spiritual nature of the person, rather than their physical body, and the goal is to help the deceased person’s soul transition to the afterlife. In this context, sky burial is viewed as a way of liberating the soul from the body and aiding in the transition to the next life.

The ceremony of sky burial is carried out by a group of monks, who are responsible for dismembering the body and preparing it for the vultures. The body is first washed and dressed in ceremonial clothing, and then placed on a stone platform or table. The monks then use a variety of tools, such as axes and knives, to dismember the body into small pieces, which are then scattered on the ground.

As the body is being dismembered, the monks chant prayers and mantras, and offer symbolic offerings to the vultures, such as barley flour and tsampa (a roasted barley flour mixture). The vultures, who are waiting nearby, are then allowed to descend and consume the remains of the body. It is believed that the vultures are able to consume the body quickly and efficiently, and that the process helps to purify the soul and aid in its transition to the next life.

While sky burial may seem shocking or gruesome to those unfamiliar with Tibetan culture, it is a deeply meaningful and spiritual practice for many Tibetans. It is seen as a way of giving back to nature and the environment, as well as a way of offering respect and reverence to the deceased person. It is also believed to be a way of promoting the cycle of life and death, and helping to maintain balance in the natural world.

However, it is important to note that sky burial is not universally practiced in Tibetan culture, and there are many other ways in which the dead are disposed of, such as cremation or burial. Additionally, there are some who criticize sky burial as a practice that is outdated and inhumane, and argue that it should be replaced with more modern and humane methods of disposing of the dead.

In conclusion, sky burial is a unique and fascinating aspect of Tibetan culture, and offers a glimpse into the spiritual beliefs and practices of this ancient culture. While it may seem shocking or unconventional to those unfamiliar with Tibetan culture, it is a deeply meaningful and sacred practice for many Tibetans, and is viewed as a way of giving back to nature and the environment, as well as aiding in the transition of the soul to the next life.