Part of my monk training included a unique ceremony to return cremains to earth - minus dust.

Post funeral, the plastic bag containing remains nestled inside our ceremonial urn was removed and placed inside a large, old watering can that featured a wide spout. This particular watering can was reserved for just this ceremony.

We'd gather at the cliff facing the Pacific. Each guest brought a glass bottle of water with them.

The celebrant who carried the watering can containing the remains would bow before each guest / participant. They'd pour their bottle of water into the watering can.

When all the water was collected. the celebrant would offer some brief prayer or recite a favored poem.

While speaking the celebrant would cut open the plastic bag at the bottom of the watering can to release the remains to create grey water.

After a good stirring, the celebrant would pass the watering can to the nearest guest who'd then pour a bit over the cliff side. Each person knelt down nearest the ground to avoid being sprinkled with wind-blown grey water.

When passing the can to the next person, they'd purposefully softly, swirl the watering can to keep the remains stirred up.

The celebrant would go to the end of line to be the last person to receive the watering can. They'd use a blessed bottle of water to rinse out any remains.

Quiet. Simple. Dust-free ceremony......