#think longer term

[lifeafterlifeparks]

Did you know that although parasitic fungi can be scary, many species actually have positive benefits!

[lifeafterlifeparks]

Sky Burial: Learning from Ancient Deathcare Practices

The idea of giving one’s body back to the earth as a form of charity is an ancient idea. One form still practice in parts of the world even today is Sky burial, also known as celestial burial - a traditional funeral ritual practiced by Zorastrians and Tibetan Budists in parts of India, Buhtan, Mongolia, and China. This ancient ritual involves placing the deceased on a mountaintop or other elevated location where vultures and other scavenging birds can consume the body. The remains are believed to return to nature, and the act of feeding the birds is seen as a form of charity.

The practice of sky burial has a deep spiritual significance in Tibetan Buddhism and Zoroastrianism, where it is believed that the body is merely a vessel, and that the soul has moved on to the afterlife. The act of giving one's body back to nature is seen a gift, and a way of showing respect for the natural cycle of life and death. Additionally, the vultures are believed to carry the soul to the afterlife, which is seen as a sacred act.

Sky burial is also a practical solution for those living in remote areas where burial or cremation may not be possible due to lack of resources, such as wood for cremation or land for burial. In these cases, sky burial is seen as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burial or cremation.

While sky burial may seem like a gruesome or macabre practice to outsiders, it is important to understand the cultural and spiritual significance it holds for those who practice it. It is a deeply meaningful and respectful way of honoring the dead and giving back to nature.

In India, following the rapid expansion of urban population and the near extinction (97%) of the indigenous vulture population due to agricultural pesticide use – sky burial practitioners have been forced to adapt. They have begun using solar cremation in leu of what the vultures used to provide for them. However, repopulation efforts for the endangered birds are being pushed by arbiters of the religion.

The link between deathcare and conservation has deep roots. At Life After Life, we find ourselves interestingly in parallel with the philosophy to deathcare that these ancient religions hold. At the intersection of many different religious philosophies is a similar vein of thought. One of giving back to the earth. For the past few centuries our culture here in the United States diverged into a deathcare tradition of taking and preserving. It is time to go back to a “circular economy” philosophy of funeral practice.

By choosing eco-friendly burial options such as natural burial, which involves burying the body in a biodegradable casket or shroud without embalming chemicals, the bodies stored nutrients are allowed to return to the earth naturally, without harming the environment. Through Life After Life, this practice allows patrons to remediate pollution and build new, critically-endangered habitat that would otherwise never be redeveloped.

The ancient principles of sky burial remind us of our interconnectedness with the natural world and the importance of respecting and caring for our planet. By giving back to nature in ways that each of us can, we can honor those who have come before us and ensure that future generations have a healthy and sustainable planet to call home.

References:

https://https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/sky-burial

[lifeafterlifeparks]

Wabi-sabi: Embracing the Beauty of Imperfection and Impermanence

In a world that often glorifies perfection and eternal youth, the Japanese aesthetic of Wabi-sabi offers a refreshing perspective on beauty and impermanence. Wabi-sabi is a philosophy that values simplicity, humility, and the acceptance of imperfection, impermanence, and transience. It is a celebration of the natural cycle of birth, growth, decay, and death, and a recognition that everything is constantly changing and evolving.

At the heart of Wabi-sabi is the idea that imperfection can be beautiful and that there is a certain elegance in things that are worn, weathered, and imperfect. For example, Kintsugi, the practice of visibly mending a cracked and chipped teacup with rare metals makes it more valuable and desirable than a flawless one - each holding a unique character and history. Wabi-sabi emphasizes the importance of the present moment and the fleeting nature of life, encouraging us to savor the beauty and richness of each passing moment.

Impermanence is a key concept in Wabi-sabi. It reminds us that nothing lasts forever and that all things are subject to change and decay. This can be a difficult concept for some to truly digest, as it challenges our desire for control and stability. However, by embracing impermanence, we can learn to let go of lingering attachments and appreciate the beauty of the present, knowing that a moment is precious and will not last forever.

The impermanence of life is constantly reflected in the natural world, where everything is constantly changing and evolving. The changing seasons, the growth and decay of plants, and the cycle of birth and death are all reminders of the transience of life. In Wabi-sabi, nature is seen as a source of inspiration and beauty, and its imperfections are celebrated as part of its inherent beauty.

Wabi-sabi can be applied to all aspects of life, from art and design to personal relationships and daily routines. It encourages us to find beauty in the simple and ordinary, to appreciate the uniqueness of each moment, and to embrace the imperfections and impermanence of life. By doing so, we can cultivate a sense of peace and contentment, and find joy and meaning in the present moment.

Life After Life parks embody Wabi-sabi philosophy in offering an alternative to the traditional cemetery culture of perfection and permanence that dominates our modern world. By embracing the beauty offered by natural imperfection and impermanence, we can find opportunity and purpose in the transient nature of life. We can learn to appreciate our moment here as a beautiful snapshot in a greater story. A story that began before us and will continue after we are gone. Wabi-sabi reminds us that beauty lies not in irrational attempts at preservation, but in the changes and quirks that make our moment here unique and special.

Secure a sustainable final resting place plot while supporting the development of new parks where nature is needed most. Life After Life's m