Death & Burial in the Land of Snow

Warning: Content and Images may be disturbing

Centimetres below the ground surface, most of Tibet’s topsoil turns into solid rock or permafrost.  The geography of Tibet is classified as Tundra, where the growth of trees is hindered by the high altitude temperatures.  The general inability to dig deep into the ground and lack forests leaves the question of what is done with someone in Tibet when they die.  Cremation is saved for high monks and aristocrats, and Lamas receive a Stupa Burial.  The most common burial for Tibetans is a Sky Burial.  

Sky burials are deeply connected with the religious practices of the area. The Sky Burial is practiced to help bring about the rebirth or unification of consciousness, and is a way of disposing of human remains by feeding living beings in the form of vultures. 

Monks take the bodies to Charnel Grounds where the ceremony takes place.  Bodies are then cut in specific ways to help in the consumption.  By burning incense, the monks summon vultures, that then swarm and eat the bodies.  This ceremony shows the insignificance of the physical body and helps guide the consciousness on. 

Warning: This video contains Graphic Images

This type of burial may seem very disturbing for those who have never expereinced it and don’t understand the meaning and significance of the burial.  While western earth burials are generally clean and unseen, the Sky burial is completed in the open.  This traditional burial can be shocking with gruesome images and sounds lingering on long after the ceremony is complete.  Most non-Tibetans will not have the chance to experience this unique burial as relatives and monks are generally the only ones present.  Respect of this tradition is essential for those traveling to Tibet.  To protect the tradition as well as the tourists, travellers must prevent themselves from imposing their beliefs and presence on the ceremonies.