Chapter 2. Shraddha.
S H R A D D H A is the name of the ceremonies performed to help the Jiva, who has put off his visible body in death, by those who remain in this world. The diva that has put off his visible body is called a Preta, and the part of the Shraddha performed to help him at this stage is called the Preta-kriya. The visible body, the Annamayakosha, is carried to the burning-ground that it may be dissolved into its constituents as quickly as possible ; the ashes are gathered together on the third day, and are thrown into running water, preferably into a sacred stream. When the Annamayakosba is destroyed, the Pranamayakorha rapidly disperses, and this dispersal is quickened by some of the mantras used at the cremation. Burning is the best way of destroying a dead body, and this destruction is important both for the de[1]parted Jiva and for those left behind ; so long as it remains undissolved, the Pranamayakosha hangs round it, in’ consequence of the magnetic attraction between them, and the Jiva is thus linked to the earth, which is bad for him ; on the other hand, a slowly decaying body in the ground, as in burial, sends out poisonous gases, and this is bad for those remaining behind. The Shraddhas performed after the burning help in a re-arrangement of the materials of the Manomayakosha, partly by the magnetic influences of the objects used, and partly by the vibrations set up by the mantras. After a certain time, the Sapindikarana ceremony is performed, which helps the Jiva to pass from Pretaloka, to Pitriloka, and he is then enrolled among the Pityis, or the ances[1]tors living in the subtler regions of Bhuvarloka. Seven generations, one in Bhurloka and six in Bhuvarloka, can affect each other. When the Jiva passes on into Svarga, he has no further need of the help furnished by Shraddha.
“Gifts to deserving Brahmanas for the sake of benefit to the Pitvis, in the proper times and places and with faith, are known as Shraddha.”
“Shraddha should be offered to the Pityis, day by day, with corn and water, or even roots and fruits and water, bringing them satisfaction.”
‘‘Out of the five elements a (subtler but) firm body is born (as seeth) for sinful Jivas (after death), that they may suffer punishment therein. “ After the suffering of the punishments awarded by Yama, in that body (the body) dissolves again into the elements. “ If (the Jiva) has done more Dharma and little Adharma, he goes on to Svarga and enjoys happiness there enclosed in (another body composed of) the same elements
“After the cremation is completed (the Jiva) becomes a Preta.”
“The Jiva remains on the path (i. e., the Preta-loka) for a year”, 0 best of birds ; then he passes on into the Pitri-loka (and dwells) with the Pitris. “By the offering of the sixteen Shraddhas he is helped to dwell in joy with the Pitris. Therefore should the son ever perform the Sapindikarana rites for the father.
