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Why do we Invite the Sangat to a Funeral Bhog?
Sikhing Answers - XXX

 

 

 

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TODAY'S QUESTION - # 30

Is it necessary to invite the 'world' to a funeral bhog?

Why do we have such a large sangat at a funeral? Why can't it be private? Shouldn't it be private?

Do we need a crowd of friends and relatives from far and wide at a time of deep, personal loss and grief? Why do we need more than immediate family and close friends?

What purpose does it serve?

 

Posted on July 14, 2012

Closing Date: July 21, 2012

 

Conversation about this article

1: Inder Kaur (Patiala, Punjab), July 16, 2012, 6:14 AM.

The reason why the community gathers around the bereaving family is to share in the loss, sorrow and grief. Pain, when shared, is easier to handle, and borne more easily. By supporting the family, and letting them know through action and actual presence, rather than mere words, we convey to the ones bearing the brunt of the loss that they are not alone, that the community is there, and always will be there, to help if needed. It's in these times, not just the good times, that we must be there to share and lessen the burden.

2: Charandeep Singh (Chandigarh, Punjab), August 08, 2012, 12:43 PM.

I wish to add to what Inder Kaur ji has written. We Sikhs believe that this world is transient. A Sikh - a gurumukh, after spending his/her life goes to Him (the Almighty). We pray to the Lord to accept the soul. As such, friends and family gather and join in prayer together.

3: Sukhdave (Alor Star, Kedah, Malaysia (Currently in Beijing)), November 21, 2012, 8:42 PM.

Emotional support and to learn from the positive values / deeds of the departed person as an inspiration for our own life.

4: Bob Dhesi (Surrey, British Columbia, Canada), January 06, 2013, 10:31 PM.

The more people attending the bhog or funeral is the measurement tool used to gauge how good he or she was. We live in ego, die in ego too. Very contradictory to true practice. Empty ritual.

5: Harminder Singh (Jalandhar, Punjab), January 21, 2013, 3:10 AM.

I agree with what Inder Kaur has said and in addition to this we pray to God that He may give shelter to the departed soul, and give strength and courage to the family members of the deceased to bear the loss. The collective prayer by sangat is more meaningful.

6: Ranjeet Singh (Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India), February 24, 2013, 10:49 AM.

It mostly has to do with the status of the deceased's family.

7: Tejinder Lamba (Canada), August 15, 2013, 3:30 PM.

It is to show solidarity within the community and to share the grief of the bereaved family members. It is also an opportunity for members of the sangat to sit together and, at the same time, privately look within and shed their respective egos and face the realty of life.

8: Parminder Sidhu (Pune, India), September 28, 2013, 1:23 AM.

The reason why the community gathers around the bereaving family is to share in the loss, sorrow and grief. Pain, when shared, is easier to handle, and borne more easily. By supporting the family and letting them know through action and actual presence, rather than mere words, we convey to the ones bearing the brunt of the loss that they are not alone, that the community is there, and always will be there, to help if needed. It's in these times, not just the good times, that we must be there to share and lessen the burden. Yes, I definitely agree with Inder Kaur's view-point.

9: Simran Singh (United States), May 22, 2015, 10:27 PM.

Life is a celebration. Per my understanding of Gurmat, all life events - birth, naming ceremony, marriage and death -- are celebrated in the company of the Sadh Sangat by singing Guru's hymns. Our Guru is Universal and present during our important events and always pointing us in the right direction. He made us the custodians but Gurbani's light belongs to everyone and is more joyous when shared. If the 'world' doesn't invoke the feeling of loving, warm, nurturing sadh-sangat, one can eliminate the obligation to include the 'world'.

10: G. Singh (Australia), January 18, 2016, 10:45 PM.

Is it necessary to invite the 'world' to a funeral bhog? No, it is not necessary. Why do we have such a large sangat at a funeral? Why can't it be private? Shouldn't it be private? Normally, it depends on one's social circle. Yes, it can be private. It depends upon the family and the expressed wishes, if any, of the deceased person. Do we need a crowd of friends and relatives from far and wide at a time of deep, personal loss and grief? Why do we need more than immediate family and close friends? No, they are not essential, but it is said that grief and loss get less when shared. Normally it is the affection of people and time spent with the grief-stricken family in their time of need, that helps cope with the loss. What purpose does it serve? To share the grief of the family and the Will of Waheguru with the other people attending ...

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