In the context of Bhutan, a predominantly Vajrayana Buddhist country, the concept of death holds profound spiritual and cultural significance. Death is seen as a transformative process marking the transition from one existence to another, and the body is regarded as a sacred mandala of deities. Consequently, premature destruction of this mandala, such as through suicide or prematurely performing the transference of consciousness, is actively avoided, as human life is considered immensely precious. Even in death, it is believed that the physical body undergoes a profound transformation, presenting opportunities for it to become sacred, infused with spiritual energy and potential.
This immediate transformation of the body into a sacred entity is deeply embedded in the cultural and material practices and rituals surrounding death in Bhutan, despite not necessarily being fully supported by Buddhist texts. This paper draws upon scholarly works on Buddhism to establish a foundational understanding of death and mortuary behaviors among Vajrayana Buddhists. Additionally, it employs anthropological observations to explore the treatment of the deceased and other funerary practices among Buddhists in western Bhutan. By doing so, the paper investigates the symbolism and purpose behind various funerary activities and uncovers contradictions, conflicts, and parallels in the treatment of the deceased and death rituals.
