What Happens to the Soul When the Body Is Cremated?

The passing of a loved one often raises deep spiritual questions. One of the most common is: What happens to the soul when the body is cremated? The answer to this question varies depending on religious beliefs, cultural traditions, and personal philosophies. While the physical process of cremation is well understood, the journey of the soul remains a mystery that has been interpreted in different ways for centuries.

1. Hinduism and Buddhism: A Path to Liberation

In Hinduism, cremation is the preferred method for handling the deceased. 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). Fire, in Hindu belief, is a purifying element that frees the soul.

Similarly, in Buddhism, cremation is commonly practiced. While Buddhism does not hold to the idea of a permanent soul, it teaches that consciousness continues in a cycle of rebirth. Cremation is seen as a practical and symbolic way to accept impermanence and support the transition into the next state of being.