As part of our ongoing series exploring funeral customs across different cultures, today we delve into the rich traditions of Tibetan funerals, beginning with the practice of sky burials, or "jhator" in Tibetan. This unique ritual offers a profound glimpse into the spiritual beliefs of Tibetan Buddhism, where death is seen as part of the natural cycle of life, and the body is returned to nature in a deeply symbolic way. Join us as we explore the significance of this sacred funeral custom and its place within Tibetan culture.
What is a sky burial?
Sky burials (or "jhator" in Tibetan) are a unique and spiritually significant funeral practice rooted in Tibetan Buddhism. In this centuries-old tradition, the deceased's body is placed on a mountaintop to decompose naturally or be consumed by scavenging birds, symbolizing the interconnectedness of all life. While it may seem unusual to outsiders, Tibetans view it as an act of compassion and ecological responsibility. Though most closely associated with Tibet, the practice is also found in neighboring regions like Qinghai, Sichuan, and parts of Inner Mongolia.
The sky burial process
It typically takes place at a remote hilltop or designated site known as a "charnel ground." These locations are often far from human settlements to maintain privacy and ensure that the ritual can be conducted undisturbed.
After death, the body is wrapped in a cloth and left for a few days while religious rites are performed to guide the soul on its journey. The body is then taken to the burial site, where a special practitioner called a "rogyapa" (body breaker) prepares the remains. Using ritual tools, the rogyapa carefully dismembers the body, making it easier for the vultures to consume.
The vultures, which are considered sacred in Tibetan culture, quickly descend upon the body and devour it. This act is seen as part of the natural order—returning the physical form to the elements and symbolizing the dissolution of the ego. Once the vultures have eaten their fill, the bones are often crushed and mixed with barley flour to ensure that even the remains are consumed.
The spiritual meaning of sky burials
In Tibetan Buddhism, death is not seen as the end, but rather a transition from one life to another. The body, which is believed to be a temporary vessel for the spirit, has no lasting significance once the soul departs. Therefore, instead of being preserved or buried, the body is returned to nature, providing sustenance to other creatures and continuing the cycle of life.
The term "jhator" translates to "alms to the birds," emphasizing the altruistic aspect of the ritual. By offering the body to vultures and other scavengers, Tibetans believe they are performing one final act of generosity—feeding hungry creatures and contributing to the balance of the natural world.
This practice is also connected to the Buddhist understanding of impermanence (known as "anicca" in Pali), which teaches that all things, including the body, are transient and subject to change. Letting go of attachment to the physical form is an important step in releasing the soul from worldly ties, preparing it for reincarnation.
The decline and preservation of Sky Burials
While sky burials remain an important tradition in Tibet, their prevalence has declined in recent years due to various factors. Modernization, the influx of Han Chinese culture, and government restrictions have all played a role in reducing the number of sky burials performed. Additionally, as more Tibetans move to urban areas, cremation and other burial practices are becoming more common.
However, efforts are being made to preserve the practice. In some areas, sky burial sites have been protected, and rogyapas continue to train new practitioners to carry on the ritual. For many Tibetans, sky burials remain an essential expression of their spiritual beliefs and cultural identity.
What about other Tibetan funeral customs?
- Stupa burial: The most sacred, reserved for high Lamas (e.g., Dalai Lama), where the embalmed body is placed in a stupa for worship.
- Sky burial: A common practice where the body is left to be consumed by vultures.
- Fire burial (cremation): Reserved for high monks and aristocrats; ashes may be scattered or stored in a sacred tower.
- Water burial: Commonly used where sky burial isn’t possible, typically for commoners.
- Earth burial: Rarely practiced today, it’s reserved for those with diseases or victims of violent deaths.
Occasional burials include:
- Cliff burial: Practiced in southern Tibet, where the body is placed in a wooden box and set in a cave on a cliffside.
- Tree burial: Reserved for children, where the body is placed in a wooden case and hung in a tree.
Sky burials are not merely a method of body disposal; they are a profound and sacred rite that speaks to the Tibetan understanding of life, death, and the cosmos. By offering the body to the sky and the birds, Tibetans engage in a practice that blends spirituality with nature, generosity with impermanence. Though the ritual may seem mysterious to outsiders, it is a powerful expression of the Tibetan worldview, one that honors both the human soul and the natural world in a final act of harmony.
If you're interested in exploring more funeral traditions from around the world, we have a range of articles in this series. Visit our guidance page here to dive deeper into the rich cultural practices surrounding funerals across the globe.