%0 Journal Article
%T Sky Burials. On the Influence of Buddhist Tantric Tradition on Tibetan Funeral Customs
%A Kadłuczka, Olga
%J The Polish Journal of the Arts and Culture. New Series
%V First View
%N 20 (2/2024)

%K Tibet, Buddhism, Sky Burials, Buddhist tantra, funeral traditions
%@ 2450-2561
%U https://ejournals.eu/en/journal/pjacns/article/podniebne-pochowki-o-wplywie-buddyjskiej-tradycji-tantrycznej-na-tybetanskie-zwyczaje-funeralne
%X The presented article indicates the possible influence of Buddhism, specifically its Tantric tradition on Tibetan funeral rituals, focusing notably on the unique practice of Sky Burials. Buddhist teachings on embracing death as an integral part of existence, along with concept of active compassion towards all sentient beings and the understanding of emptiness (śūnyatā) of all phenomena, shaped Tibetan perspectives on death. Since recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in society's openness to discussing the topic of death. Therefore, the aim of this analysis is to provide a deeper understanding of the philosophical and spiritual aspects influencing this ancient yet still relatively unknown ritual. By exploring religious and cultural practices, my interest lies in elucidating the interconnectedness of religious philosophy, rituals, and their influence on societal perceptions, particularly concerning the universal human experience of death. Moreover, my aim is to provide a detailed explanation of the underlying ideas behind the ritual, which, due to lack of understanding, is often misconceived as a barbaric custom among the peoples inhabiting Central Asia. I intend to demonstrate how the influence of Buddhist thought has transformed funeral ceremonies rooted in the ancient native traditions of the Tibetan Plateau, thus mitigating one of the most deeply ingrained cultural taboos – the widely understood taboo of death.