Soul Rescuers: A 21st century guide to the spirit world. Natalia O’Sullivan

to celebrate rather than mourn his passing: ‘It is not appropriate to grieve in an hour of joy. You all weep, but is there any real cause for grief? We should look upon a sage as a person escaped from a burning mansion. My time has come, my work is done. My teachings shall last for generations so do not be disturbed.’ Releasing his disciples from grief, he encouraged them to celebrate death as the moment when knowledge dispels ignorance and the spirit is released to peace.

      The natural instinct to praise and honour the dead at funerals, wakes and memorials pours a positive energy onto their memory and sheds light onto their souls. By praising the spirit we help the souls of the dead to seek their own liberation, safe in the knowledge that they were well loved and had fulfilled their promise in life.