Mongolian Sky Burial: The Soul’s Farewell on the Grasslands

 On the vast Mongolian steppe, there is a unique funeral ritual known as the Sky Burial (Tüükh). It is not only a farewell to the deceased but also a concentrated expression of Mongolian culture, religious beliefs, and views on nature. Imagine the wind blowing across the golden grass waves, distant sheep quietly watching, villagers surrounding a circle of blue stones, a lama chanting softly, and the air filled with the scent of incense and dry grass—this is the reality of a sky burial.

 Cultural Background: The Intersection of Shamanism and Buddhism

The spiritual world of the Mongols originates from the ancient Shamanic belief system. Shamanism emphasizes harmony between humans and nature, seeing humans, animals, and the heavens as interconnected. Over time, Tibetan Buddhism was introduced, bringing concepts of reincarnation and karmic cause and effect into traditional practices.

In the eyes of the Mongols, death is not an end but the beginning of a soul’s new journey. Shamanism teaches respect for the forces of nature, while Buddhism reminds people to help guide the soul toward a smooth transition.

In the village of Zabkhan, when the elderly herder Batu passed away, the entire community was enveloped in grief. Batu had loved horses all his life. His family prepared his favorite mare’s milk and dried meat, placing them carefully by a circle of blue stones. His young grandson watched silently, clutching the wool gloves his grandfather had left behind. Though still a child, he could feel the sacredness and reverence behind the ritual.

The Ritual Process and Its Details

1. The Lama as the Soul’s Guide

The lama serves as the soul’s guide during a sky burial. Only he is allowed to touch the body, following the ritual’s strict procedures. Family members stand at a distance, tears in their eyes, yet cannot approach.

At Batu’s funeral, Lama Mabu approached the body, chanting softly while gently shaking a ritual instrument. The sound mingled with the steppe wind, creating the sensation that the soul was safely departing the body and entering another world. The villagers watched every movement, sensing the spiritual transition.

2. Offerings: Expressions of Heartfelt Respect

Family members prepare generous offerings—dairy products, grains, and dried meat—placing them near the blue stone circle. Wisps of incense rise into the sky, carrying the scent of food upward. Mongols believe benevolent spirits visit the body and take the offerings, comforting the soul.

Batu’s daughter carefully arranged his favorite roasted lamb beside the stones, tears dampening her apron. She whispered, “Grandfather, eat well, we are all with you.” The wind carried the aroma across the steppe, as if even the spirits above could sense the family’s devotion.

3. The Blue Stones: Protection and Symbolism

The blue stones surrounding the body are one of the most symbolic elements of the sky burial. Blue represents the sky and sacredness, while the stones embody the protective power of the earth and nature. They form a protective barrier, keeping away malevolent spirits and safeguarding the soul.

Batu’s grandson pointed at the stones and asked his mother, “Mom, will they protect Grandpa?” She nodded, “Yes, each stone guards Grandpa’s soul.” As the sunset cast a golden glow on the stones, they seemed to honor the departing spirit.

4. Special Transport: Through Windows and Openings

When moving the body, villagers avoid doors and use windows or openings instead. Mongols believe doors are passages for evil spirits, and transporting the body through a window or hole helps avoid interference.

Batu’s body was carefully lifted through a low window of the ger (yurt). The lama and several adult men worked together, moving slowly and reverently. The children held their breath, the steppe wind rustling their clothes, carrying with it a sense of awe and solemnity.

5. Predators and Dogs: Nature’s Participants

Once the body is taken outside the village, it is placed in an open area and encircled with stones. Predators and local dogs naturally participate in the ritual, symbolizing the life cycle and natural order.

As Batu’s body was laid down, wolves watched from a distance, and a few shepherd dogs approached cautiously, sniffing the air. The villagers believe these animals are guardians of nature, assisting the soul’s safe passage.

Cultural Significance and Spiritual Meaning

1. Respect for the Soul

The sky burial reflects the deep care Mongols have for the soul. Every step of the ritual communicates to the soul: “You are remembered, and your journey is protected.” Batu’s grandson looked down at the stone circle and whispered, “Grandpa, we are all here with you.”

2. Harmony with Nature and the Universe

The blue stones, the wind, the predators, and the dogs—each element represents the harmony of nature and the universe. Mongols believe that following the laws of nature ensures the soul’s peace and allows life to continue in the steppe.

3. Cultural Transmission and Identity

Sky burials teach younger generations the wisdom of their ancestors. Batu’s grandson and other village children watched attentively, learning to respect life and nature. The ritual is not only a funeral but also a cultural lesson and a way to strengthen ethnic identity.

Sky Burial in Comparison with Other Cultures

Compared with funeral practices around the world, Mongolian sky burials emphasize the soul’s journey and nature’s involvement. Western cremation or burial focuses on the body itself, while Malaysian traditional funerals often center on mourning and social gatherings.

Sky burial is a “dance of the soul with the steppe”: every action is symbolic, every element tied to nature, creating a profound sense of life’s dignity and mystery.

Modern Challenges and Continuity

Modernization brings challenges: urbanization, diverse beliefs, and land-use changes all affect the traditional sky burial. Yet, in villages like Zabkhan, young people continue to uphold the ritual.

They tell Batu’s story, record the ceremonies on video, and teach the next generation. Through storytelling and modern technology, the tradition persists, bridging past and present.

Mongolian sky burial is more than a funeral; it is an expression of respect for life, the soul, and nature. It is the spiritual essence of grassland culture. On the windswept Mongolian steppe, each sky burial is both a farewell to the deceased and a celebration of the life cycle. Batu’s story, like the steppe wind, is passed down through generations, keeping the culture alive and honored.