Monday, April 10, 2006
In this month of Qing Ming, let use reflect on this fundamental question. 'Why should we remember the dead and departed members of our family, friends and loved ones?' As far as this blog is informed, there is no other complex mammal that has this practice of funerals and remembrance years after the death of a relative. Of course this blog will not suggest nor insinuate that such a practice is incorrect or otherwise unimportant. Quite on the contrary, this blog believes that such practices are not only of the utmost importance and respect and reveres these practice, but for a different reason relative to what is normally argued.
A common notion about the dead is that by remembering them it helps to relieve their suffering, by giving them a great funeral, it ensure eternal bliss. This is of course plausible, but in reality, much of such practices are not for the dead but for the living. The son who see that his father is buried in a grand tomb that is taken care of year after year hope that his son will reciprocate and follow in his footsteps. It relieves some of the sadness and guilt that will inevitably pile up over the long years of life.
This blog however asserts that a more important aspect of remembering the depart is to enforce a form of 'soft' check on society. This is basically the same result why we must be filial to our parents, respect our teachers, and serve the community. It gives us a reason to live and do good. Because then we will do our parents, teachers and communities proud. In the same way, remembering our ancestors will push us to do good, acting as a check to prevent the fabric of society from falling apart. As compared to the 'hard' check of the judicial system, this blog asserts that the soft check has as much influence on the society as the police and the courts of law. Albeit this is a difficult link to make since it is not easily measured, and cannot be practically tested, however, it seems logical to assume that such a check exist, since it is not possible for the law enforcement agencies to be present all the time at all the places when there is possible crime.
In sum, this blog applauds the wisdom of the elders. While Qing Ming may put the souls of the departed at ease, of far more importance is the lifes of the living that will be changed by this simple ritual.
11:47 PM
