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What is a Sky Burial?

Have you ever considered being buried on top of a mountain? This unique type of burial is rooted in Buddhist beliefs and involves leaving your body to the elements in the Tibetan mountains. If you’ve been interested in green burials, this unique approach is one to learn about.

What is a sky burial?

A burial in the sky is a traditional Tibetan funeral practice that involves placing the deceased on a mountaintop or other elevated location to be exposed to the elements and scavenging birds. The process is rooted in Tibetan Buddhist beliefs, where the body is considered an empty vessel after death, and offering it to nature is seen as a form of generosity. In a sky burial, the body is typically dismembered, and the remains are left for vultures and other birds to consume. This practice reflects a unique cultural perspective on the impermanence of life and the cyclical nature of existence. While it might seem unconventional in Western contexts, sky burials hold deep cultural and spiritual significance in Tibetan traditions.

Where are sky burials legal?

According to Wikipedia, sky burials are practiced in “the Chinese provinces and autonomous regions of Tibet, Qinghai, Sichuan, and Inner Mongolia, as well as in Mongolia, Bhutan, and parts of India such as Sikkim and Zanskar”. Traveling to these areas for a legal sky burial is necessary should you wish to pursue one.

Can you have a sky burial in the U.S.?

Sky burials are not legal in the U.S., as they would violate rules and regulations regarding caring for and disposing of human remains. For those interested in a sky burial, having it in Tibet is likely the best route to take. If you’re interested in alternatives to a sky burial that are legal in more places, consider a green burial or human composting as a way to give back to the environment at the end of life.

What are alternatives to a Tibetan sky burial?

The sky burials of Tibet may not be an accessible option to many who are interested in eco-friendly alternatives to traditional burial practices. If you’re interested in the green nature of sky burials in Tibet, but aren’t able to pursue one, here are some eco-friendly alternatives:

1. Green burials: Green burials involve burying the deceased in a way that minimizes environmental impact. This may include using biodegradable caskets or shrouds and avoiding embalming fluids.

2. Tree pod burials: In this method, the body is placed in a biodegradable pod, and a tree or plant is planted above it. As the body decomposes, it nourishes the tree, creating a living memorial.

3. Aquamation (Alkaline Hydrolysis): This is a water-based cremation process that uses less energy than traditional cremation and produces fewer emissions.

4. Memorial reefs: Some people choose to have their ashes mixed with concrete to create artificial reefs. These reefs provide habitats for marine life and serve as a unique memorial.

5. Natural organic reduction: Also known as human composting, in this process, the deceased body is placed in a vessel with organic materials such as wood chips, straw, and alfalfa. Over a span of several weeks, microbial activity breaks down the body into nutrient-rich soil.

These alternatives not only reduce the environmental impact but also provide meaningful and sustainable ways to honor and remember loved ones.