Well, not only does the process of cremation itself raise questions for those who decide to have their loved ones cremated, but also the question of what happens to the soul afterward. This especially bothers those who are religious and believe in the afterlife and in the concept of the soul living forever.
Different religions, traditions, and beliefs offer different answers to this question.
Though the mechanics of cremation are clear, what happens to the soul is still shrouded in mystery.
1. Hinduism and Buddhism: A Path to Liberation
In Hinduism, the cremation is the preferred process when a person dies. It is believed that the soul (atman) is eternal and simply leaves the body at the time of death. The act of cremation helps the soul detach from its physical form and move on to its next life through the cycle of reincarnation (samsara).
In Hindu belief, fire is considered a sacred purifier that releases the soul from the body.