Value people while they are alive

Hi every body!

Today our whole team visited the main temple for Hindus and its crematorium in Katmandu. Of course we didn't enter the temple because there was a plate at the entrance saying “ONLY FOR HINDUS”. Since there were non of those in our group, we couldn't enter the building. But we could observe the rituals. I must say that their traditions of funeral are vastly different from the ones we are used to.

After some preparation for cremation (incineration) they put a man's body, left by the soul just a little time ago, on an alter made of sandal wood and straw. You need about 400 kg (800 pounds) of wood for an alter and some kinds of wood are very expensive. It's no secret that the relatives of a deceased are willing to pay any amount of money for the one the lost. Unfortunately, people often perform heroical deeds for their loved ones when it is too late.

A son might not give a single flower to his mother while she is alive but he decorates her tombstone or grave with multitudes of her favorite blossoms when she's gone to show his immeasurable love. Children put up impressive tombstone of precious stones on the graves of their parents after having no second thought about them during their life time. People tend to do good when it's no longer relevant.

The Hindus taught me today that it is very important to do good to your loved ones while they are alive and need your attention.

Appreciate those around you! Give them what's most precious for you while they can make use of it. Pray for them while they are alive!

Alexander Kartavenko