PRAYERS FOR THE DEAD

Q: Sir most religions have prayers and rituals to perform, like feeding the poor, when a person dies. Are these for personal reasons?

No, my child, all prayers for the dead (as you call them) are meant for the souls who have gone ahead. Remember, my child, when a soul leaves this earth, even a soul who is learned and wise in our ways, will be ,for however  small a fraction of time, a little confused and takes a little time to get used to new environments. Prayers give peace and comfort to the soul, they take away the confusion, and they allow the soul to move ahead towards the light, towards the plane where the soul is supposed to reach. Prayers are very useful. When it comes to feeding the poor, my child, this is nothing to do with the soul. It is just your way of thanking our Divine Lord for looking after your departed loved one. You can pray the prayers set down or you can pray whatever comes to you within your heart. But, my child, prayers for the departed loved ones help them so much, not only on the third day and fortieth day, my child, but constantly. As they progress from one plane to another, from one stage to another, your prayers encourage them onwards.