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Paula,
the old Hindu custom of widows being expected to join their deceased husband on the funeral pyre was called suttee. It is now officially banned in India, although cases still occur in remote country areas. It was practised originally to prove she was a faithful wife, but it also relieved the problem of her being a burden on the rest of the family, who often pressured and shamed her into this sacrifice.

When I've been absolutely and positively declared to be an ex person and duly cremated at the least possible expense, I think I'd like my nearest and dearest to enjoy a long trip to all the places still on my list that I never got to, and scatter a bit of me wherever he went.

Well Margaret, that's just you all over
(reminds me of the scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz)
Pete

When once cremated, I'd love to serve those I left behind just a little bit more.

So put my ashes into an hour-glass -

This could keep me active - for as long as my people want me to...

Besides this being a (poor) joke: we are alive as long as our bereaved keep us alive...

Tom

Once I'm dead (and like several others here I do insist on that as a prerequisite) anyone is welcome to any bits they think they could find a use for. The rest can be cremated and scattered, preferably in a garden of some kind. I like the idea of getting back to nature.

Margaret.... i think each of the religions (east or west) evolved a set of rules that served a particular function at the time it evolved. I had read that the Islamic practice of having 4 wives was in fact an effort to curb prostitution at a particular time in Islamic history. The idea was that 1 man would provide for 4 women thus reducing destitution. Indeed, there was a period of history when Arab civilization was by far the most modern of all. The conduit of information and knowledge between China, India, North Africa and Europe. These things are cyclical for all cultures. After all the great Roman empire/culture declined (I cannot imagine how a civilzation can go see people being eaten and shredded as if it were a rock concert). The problem with all religions without exception is that they fail to periodically update themselves to changing conditions.

Jo, I love your story about your father - you once told me about it in the chatroom.
And you have a very good point in letting it be up to the ones left to do what they find will be right.

But one thing you did forget - witches are known through history for being burned:-))

Lots of hugs from your twin witch

Byron, nice thought of being scattered all over Ganges.

My husbands grandmother wanted to be spread in the sea. So my husband and his father sailed out to do as she wished. My husbands father took the jar and spread the ashes out, but he is not used to be sailing, so he took no notice of the winds direction.

He did use a lot of time spitting and coughing

This thread prompts a memory of a James Taylor Song from New Moonshine (I think); "Frozen Man".

When I die make sure I'm gone, don't leave nothin' to work on.
I know what it means to freeze to death,
lose a little life with every breath.
Say goodbye to life on earth,
To come around again,
Lord have mercy on the frozen man.

It is very much worth taking the time to view the DVD or videotape of the concert "Pull Over" where James does an extended intro to this song.

Cheers,

Kush

totally aggree with the points you made. I sometimes wonder though how "civilised " some sections of our modern society are, who find such entertainment in spectacles like bull-fighting, fox-hunting or even boxing. Maybe a lot of men will disagree, but what really is sporting about 2 men knocking the living daylights out of each other, or superfast racing cars going round and round in circles for hours?

Sorry, I've gone off at a tangent here, feel free to ignore me everyone!

Margaret ~

Couldn't this also be posted as an answer-by-proxy for some on the "What is the meaning of life" thread ?

~ Lizzytysh