Talk:Major Steps in Hindu Funeral Cremation Ceremony:Consolation of the Family Members
From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia
For several days, no food is cooked in the home of the immediate family members. All food for them is brought by their friends, relatives and neighbors. The visitors provide consolation to the family members during the difficult time, reflect upon the meaning of life, the transitory nature of this world and the eternity of the ātmā and Bhagavān. It is recommended that our grieving be moderate so as not to cause pain to the ātmā of the departed person.
Krishna said to Yudhishthira: King, if a person grieves too much in his mind for his dead dear ones, his grief causes great pain to his departed ancestors. Mahābhārata 14.2.2