Digging Deeper Into Our Burial Practices

Re “Nearer My Sod to Thee,” Dec. 10: Thank you, finally, for some sense on the subject of cemeteries and burial. My children have strict instructions: Wrap me in a sheet, bury me in the earth and plant a tree on top. Wherever did we get the idea that our leftover bodies are “sacred” or that any part of our soul or essence remains with the bones? Are there any references in the Bible, the Koran or any other sacred texts that imply our bodies need to be preserved in poison, iron, satin and mahogany? When and why did we start this practice?

What is the spiritual basis for this practice? If you do believe in a soul, an afterlife or even in reincarnation, by your own definition the body is insignificant, simply temporary luggage carrying the soul or essence, or whatever word you like. If you believe that we are all really one spirit, universal energy, one thought, then when I am dead I have been absorbed into the universe, heaven, the light. Please, please let my body also melt into the universe. Please let it truly become one with the earth, the trees, the birds.

I had reason to drive down Slauson Avenue recently in West Los Angeles and couldn’t help but notice the two enormous cemeteries that have massive concrete walls and gates surrounding them. Wouldn’t those souls be happier knowing that people are riding their bikes in a beautiful park, that children are laughing in delight going down a slide, that soccer and baseball teams are being cheered on by their supporters? Cemeteries are a perversion. Cremation is environmentally negative. Release the soul. Plant a tree.

Carolyn Rios

Venice

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The eco-friendly entrepreneurs are overlooking a sure-fire, winning corporate title: Over My Dead Body Inc.

Jerome E. Jacobs

Los Angeles