- Joined
- Jan 22, 2014
- Messages
- 9,304
- Points
- 113
Serious Farewell
- Thread starter CoffeeAhSoh
- Start date
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2014
- Messages
- 9,304
- Points
- 113
.
Scattering the ashes of a deceased loved one at sea is a deeply personal and meaningful act, rooted in various cultural, spiritual, and philosophical traditions across the world.
While the specific reasons and rituals may differ, they often share common themes related to nature, eternity, and personal connection.
Here are some of the key reasons why people choose to have their ashes scattered at sea:
1. Connection to Nature and the Elements
* A return to the cycle of life: Many cultures view the ocean as a powerful symbol of the continuous cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Scattering ashes at sea is a way of returning the physical remains to nature, allowing them to become part of something vast, eternal, and interconnected.
* Symbolism of water: Water is often seen as a symbol of purification, cleansing, and renewal. The act of scattering ashes into the water can be a symbolic way of cleansing the soul and starting its next journey.
2. Personal Significance and a Sense of Freedom
* A lifelong connection: For many people, the sea holds a special place in their lives. Sailors, fishermen, surfers, or simply those who loved spending time by the ocean may wish for their final resting place to be in the waters that brought them so much joy and peace.
* A sense of liberation: The vastness of the ocean can symbolize freedom from earthly constraints and a release of the spirit. The ashes are not confined to a single burial plot but are free to travel with the currents, connecting with the entire world.
* A place of remembrance: While there is no specific grave site to visit, the entire ocean becomes a memorial. Family and friends can visit any coastline, beach, or body of water to feel a connection to their loved one, knowing that their spirit is a part of the endless sea.
3. Religious and Spiritual Beliefs
* Hinduism: In Hindu tradition, cremation is a central practice, and the ashes (cremains) are often scattered in a sacred body of water, such as the Ganges River. This practice, known as Antyesti, is believed to liberate the soul from its earthly ties and help it on its journey toward reincarnation (samsara).
* Sikhism: Similar to Hinduism, Sikh funeral rituals involve scattering ashes in a body of water as a way of returning to nature and honoring the belief that the soul has moved on.
* Other traditions: While some religions, like certain denominations of Christianity, have traditionally preferred burial, many modern practitioners are more open to cremation and scattering ashes at sea, often viewing it as a respectful and meaningful way to honor the deceased, especially if it was their wish.
4. Practical and Environmental Considerations
* "Green" burial: Scattering ashes at sea is often seen as an environmentally friendly option, especially when biodegradable urns are used. It avoids the use of land for cemeteries and returns the remains to nature in a more organic way.
* Simplicity and cost: For some, scattering ashes at sea is a simpler and less expensive alternative to traditional burial, which may involve the cost of a plot, headstone, and perpetual care.
Ultimately, the choice to scatter ashes at sea is a deeply personal one, guided by a desire to honor the life and wishes of the deceased in a way that feels most fitting and meaningful to them and their loved ones.
.
Scattering the ashes of a deceased loved one at sea is a deeply personal and meaningful act, rooted in various cultural, spiritual, and philosophical traditions across the world.
While the specific reasons and rituals may differ, they often share common themes related to nature, eternity, and personal connection.
Here are some of the key reasons why people choose to have their ashes scattered at sea:
1. Connection to Nature and the Elements
* A return to the cycle of life: Many cultures view the ocean as a powerful symbol of the continuous cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Scattering ashes at sea is a way of returning the physical remains to nature, allowing them to become part of something vast, eternal, and interconnected.
* Symbolism of water: Water is often seen as a symbol of purification, cleansing, and renewal. The act of scattering ashes into the water can be a symbolic way of cleansing the soul and starting its next journey.
2. Personal Significance and a Sense of Freedom
* A lifelong connection: For many people, the sea holds a special place in their lives. Sailors, fishermen, surfers, or simply those who loved spending time by the ocean may wish for their final resting place to be in the waters that brought them so much joy and peace.
* A sense of liberation: The vastness of the ocean can symbolize freedom from earthly constraints and a release of the spirit. The ashes are not confined to a single burial plot but are free to travel with the currents, connecting with the entire world.
* A place of remembrance: While there is no specific grave site to visit, the entire ocean becomes a memorial. Family and friends can visit any coastline, beach, or body of water to feel a connection to their loved one, knowing that their spirit is a part of the endless sea.
3. Religious and Spiritual Beliefs
* Hinduism: In Hindu tradition, cremation is a central practice, and the ashes (cremains) are often scattered in a sacred body of water, such as the Ganges River. This practice, known as Antyesti, is believed to liberate the soul from its earthly ties and help it on its journey toward reincarnation (samsara).
* Sikhism: Similar to Hinduism, Sikh funeral rituals involve scattering ashes in a body of water as a way of returning to nature and honoring the belief that the soul has moved on.
* Other traditions: While some religions, like certain denominations of Christianity, have traditionally preferred burial, many modern practitioners are more open to cremation and scattering ashes at sea, often viewing it as a respectful and meaningful way to honor the deceased, especially if it was their wish.
4. Practical and Environmental Considerations
* "Green" burial: Scattering ashes at sea is often seen as an environmentally friendly option, especially when biodegradable urns are used. It avoids the use of land for cemeteries and returns the remains to nature in a more organic way.
* Simplicity and cost: For some, scattering ashes at sea is a simpler and less expensive alternative to traditional burial, which may involve the cost of a plot, headstone, and perpetual care.
Ultimately, the choice to scatter ashes at sea is a deeply personal one, guided by a desire to honor the life and wishes of the deceased in a way that feels most fitting and meaningful to them and their loved ones.
.
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2014
- Messages
- 9,304
- Points
- 113
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2008
- Messages
- 84,612
- Points
- 113
Ashes cannot scatter in straits of Singapore? Or straits of johore?
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2025
- Messages
- 4
- Points
- 1
At least she could offload GCB at 50 mil to Haidilao.
- Joined
- Aug 10, 2008
- Messages
- 108,293
- Points
- 113
You'll get fined for littering, because this is a 'fine' country.
Similar threads
