Why Do Tibetans Feed Human Corpses to River Fish

Ecological Practicality: In remote Himalayan regions, rocky terrain makes burial difficult, and lack of firewood prevents cremation. Offering bodies to rivers (or vultures) could be a way to return elements to nature swiftly. Spiritual Beliefs: Some cultures believe water carries the soul to the afterlife or purifies it. In Vajrayana Buddhism, dissolution of the body aligns with the cycle of impermanence (Anicca). Resource Scarcity: Fish consuming the body might be seen as an offering to sustain life, similar to sky burials where vultures (considered sacred) perform the role.