By Upatissa Pethiyagoda –

Much is said (and written) about the cost of living, but virtually nothing about the equally real cost of dying. This is not sensible. Any discussion on the reality of passing of a loved one, might appear to be in poor taste, ghoulish and morbid. There are however establishments and persons to step up and provide services, catering to these sensitivities. Not so long ago, even professional mourners could be hired. Their job was to howl and sob, as deceptively as they could.

Reluctant, though one may be, to dwell on such a subject as death, but it is such an inevitable truth, that is unwilling to drift away.

There are about 21 million of us and increasing. Assuming an average life span of 60 years, it would mean that about 800 people per day (by my calculation), “Shuffle off this mortal coil” as Shakespeare had it, in (“Hamlet“; 1606). Global figures suggest about 150,000 per day.

Birth is an occasion for universal joy, as much as death is one  for grief. Both have a common and inevitable “once and for all” nature. Therefore no expense is spared. This also introduces an element of “keeping up with the Jones” mindset.

The reason for my selection of topic, is the reported decision by the Government to waive charges for the use of their crematoria and burial sites. Although this may appear to be* insignificant relief for the more affluent, it could be welcome relief to those less endowed. It has to be admired that this is done unobtrusively and with no hint of mendicant intrusion. This is an admirable quality of the current government. Duty first before any pretext of benevolence.                                                              

Some village level “Marana-adhara Samithis,” are held up as examples of successful ground level co-operative enterprises. It is only fair to mention the role of programs such as ‘Gammedda’ which have done a great job, in promoting self- help in combination with financial and operational assistance from the private sector. This is capable of near magical results in worthy projects, that have lingered for dozens of years as empty electoral promises, never intended to be implemented. That the present government is different and seem mindful of the need to intervene, non- intrusively in such matters. The political returns, could be stunning and well deserved.

Vertical storage (stacking)

A matter of concern, especially in urban areas, is the problem of over-crowding in cemeteries. Many major cities abroad, have evolved means to overcome this problem.

Essentially, it involves the stacking of hermetically sealed, concrete “Drawers” holding the bodies to decompose, (virtually anaerobically), trapping any liquids and warding off any offensive odours. Evidence is that such means are nothing new, and date back several centuries, with the “Catacombs“ of ancient Rome (where the skeletal remains suggest that bodies lay over one  another), While the Egyptian pyramids were probably specially reserved for mummified nobility.

Rituals and funereal observances

There are a number of observances, some traditional, some symbolic and some for understandably sound hygienic reasons.

In rural settings, a reciprocity of kindness prevails, where neighbors chip in with provision of cooked meals and solace, to lessen the load of the bereaved.

Custom requires that the hearth remains unlit, during the period that the body lies in the home. Providing cooked meals for the household and visitors, enhances social cohesion and goodwill.     

Hanging pictures are inverted and ornaments put away, as a mark of respect. The coffin is placed with the head pointing westward, perhaps to symbolically align with the direction of the setting sun. Significantly, a patient on a stretcher is generally not wheeled about “feet first.”

The body is never left on its own, and a lit candle or oil lamp, is placed at the head end. After the coffin leaves, a suspension of turmeric powder is scattered beneath where the coffin has lain. This no doubt is symbolic, while it recognizes the germicidal property of turmeric.

Ceremonial and-funereal Practices 

The ceremonial observances accord with the religion of the deceased. Thus the “Pansakula” of The Buddhists would parallel the Graveside prayers of Christians.

It is a pity that the Pansakula chant has come to be associated with death, because it summarizes in a brief and vivid quatrain, the essence of Impermanence as a central doctrine of Buddhist teaching.

“Impermanent are all compounded things.

   What arises has to set.

   What is born has to die.

   That is the universal Law.”    

Two general practices among the Buddhists, are the seventh and the third month “danes” (Almsgivings), offered to the monks of the local temple. At the funeral, a bale (Kachchiya) of white cloth is an addition to the customary offerings to the Bhikkhus. This probably symbolizes the duty of the laity to provide material for the robes of the monks.

Regarding the particular timing of the two events, the popular belief is that the “Karmic force” of the departed, lingers around its worldly abode, for seven days, before moving on to his/her new Samsaric location.

The three-month sermon and Dane offerings, is believed to mark the interval between the revealing by the Buddha, to his accompanying followers, of his impending entry into Nirvana (Parinibbana). This would be the Poya day in the month of Duruthu, three months ahead of the holy month of “Wesak.”

Variety in observances

There is a noticeable preference in recent times for simplification of funeral procedures- by omitting some uncritical features, curtailing needless trimmings and other rituals of dubious value.

It is inevitable that the boundaries between religious dictates and tradition, have become blurred through centuries of practice.

I am in two minds regarding the manner in which the mortal remains are disposed of, “according to the will of the deceased”. But with the cessation of the breath, ownership or the tenancy, ceases.       

It is not uncommon for many to express their wish for a simple and private observance, including a closed casket, no flowers or wreaths and speedy disposal of the remains.

The Buddha’s observation is that the physical body itself is akin to a dried bundle of firewood, when the Karmic forces move on.

Implicit in this injunction is the advice for simplicity, in wishing the departed a smooth passage through a succession of births, until the conscience attains the final goal of Nibbana.

Despite the title of this piece, it is unnecessary to labour the point that costs of care and cure antecedent to the act of dying, could be formidable.

The desire for a comfortable life, necessitates contact with several costly “premortal” matters.

Coffins, Caskets and costs

This is an area where costs abound in monetary terms. Good sense, and the role of death as the great equalizer, is manifest in the case of followers of the Islamic faith, (and perhaps, Judaism as well), is the practice of the quickest disposal of the mortal remains, thus eliminating the need for embalming. There is no need for coffins either.

A ‘palanquin’ belonging to the mosque, is hired to followers of Islam, irrespective of wealth or status. The body is swathed in a simple cloth and the palanquin is borne on the shoulders of the mourners, to the burial site. All acts are done with solemnity and due respect.

The environmental costs, in terms of timber and other materials deserve consideration. When bodies need to be air freighted or moved to undertakers, a simple metallic or inexpensive ‘coffin’ serves. This does not make the design of a coffin to resemble the ‘’standard” one.

I noted that even the highest, (even the Pope or Royalty) make their final journey in a simple and less ostentatious coffin.

After all, even soldiers, who have sacrificed their lives in serving their nation, leave in body bags. Why not more of us?