I like the ritual of gently washing the human body after death.
Jewish tradition calls this ritualized body washing and purification Tahara.
Tahara is a sacred act and puts me in touch with the very powerful ideas around the Jewish soul, which can be seen as divided into three:
The Nefesh is considered the vital principle, life force.
The Ruach is known as the spirit, governing the intellect and moral values.
The Neshamah is defined as the highest level of the soul, the divine spark.
Tahara often leads me to wonder when the soul leaves the body after death.
Of course, this question has been pondered by many religions, philosophers and wonderers.
Some traditions believe it leaves immediately.
The Buddhists tend to think the soul is in the bardos- the in between place- for up to 30 days after death.
Jewish tradition believes that the Nefesh stays in the body for 3-7 days after death.
When the soul leaves the body, Its departure can be hard or easy depending on the level of attachment of the soul to the physical world.
The soul is considered immortal and reincarnation is loosely considered as a way for the soul to fulfill itself, provide tikkun olam (repair of the world), or achieve perfection.
I love being part of a ritual that is design to help the soul leave the purified body and be on its way to whatever is next.
When do you think the soul leaves the body?
“The human soul doesn’t want to be advised or fixed or saved. It simply wants to be witnessed—to be seen, heard, and companioned exactly as it is."
Parker Palmer
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