A practice found in certain Tibetan Buddhist and related cultures, the exposure of a deceased human body to the open air to be consumed by scavenging animals, particularly birds, constitutes a funerary rite. This practice facilitates the return of the physical body to the natural elements. An example of this rite involves placing the prepared remains on a designated platform or mountaintop, leaving them for vultures or other wildlife.
This method of disposition holds significant spiritual and practical value within these belief systems. Spiritually, it is considered an act of generosity, providing sustenance to living creatures. Practically, it addresses the challenges posed by the rocky terrain and limited resources for burial or cremation in some regions. Historically, it reflects a deep connection with nature and a cyclical view of life and death.
