“The word ‘death’ is sacred. It is not a synonym for “sadness and suffering.” True Parents have created the term Seunghwa [ascension] to explain the true significance of death. The moment we enter the spirit world should be a time that we enter a world of joy and victory with the fruits born of our lives on earth. It is a time for those of us remaining on earth to send off the departed with joy. It should be a time for great celebration. We should be shedding tears of joy instead of tears of sadness. That is the way of the sacred and noble Seunghwa Ceremony, the first step the spirit of the departed takes toward enjoying eternal life in attendance of God, within His embrace.” – True Parents, July 8, 2010