Buddhists funerals

Funeral traditions differ within the various Buddhist sects and from one country to another. Some funerals are very ritualistic and traditional, while others are quite simple and dignified. Rather than spend lavishly on expensive but perhaps meaningless traditions and rituals, the family and friends may donate to a worthy cause and transfer the merit to the deceased.

Peace and serenity are hallmarks of a Buddhist funeral. An altar is set up to display the deceased’s portrait, along with offerings of candles, incense, flowers, and fruit. An image of the Buddha is placed beside or in front of the altar.

According to Buddhist funeral customs, a service may be presided over by monks, who will deliver a sermon and perform Buddhist rites. If a monk is unavailable, others may conduct the service. Rituals that transfer merit to the deceased may be performed by family or other mourners, such as offering cloth to the presiding monk on the deceased’s behalf, pouring water from a vessel into an overflowing cup, preaching, and giving offerings or almsgiving.

At a traditional Buddhist funeral, the family will wear white or cover their clothing with a traditional white cloth, along with a headband or armband. Mourners may also:

-Walk with sticks to symbolize that grief has left them the need for support
-Chant or sing appropriate sutras (prayers)
-Bring offerings of flowers and fruit
-Burn incense to sweeten the air
-Ring gongs or bells

Burial rituals:

A small statue of the Buddha may be placed by the head of the dying person and “parittas,” or protective verses, may be chanted. More generally, the dying person should be made as comfortable as possible before death occurs. 

1- Preparing The Body 

The body must be completely cold until it can be washed and prepared for burial or cremation. The deceased should not be dressed in fancy clothes, but rather in the everyday clothes that he or she would normally wear. 

2- Organ Donation/Donation To Medical Research 

Organ donation and donating the body to medical research are both acceptable in the Buddhist faith. 

Embalming 

3- Embalming is acceptable in Buddhism. 

Embalming a body is a multi-step procedure used to preserve a body and delay decomposition for a short time, and temporarily restore a life-like appearance. When a body is embalmed, the bodily fluids are removed and are replaced with formaldehyde-based chemical solutions that will delay decomposition. Then the body is cosmetically prepared for viewing by styling the hair, applying makeup, and setting the facial features. 

4- Cremation 

Cremation is acceptable in Buddhism. If the body is to be cremated, monks may be present at the crematorium and lead chanting. If no monks are present, family members may lead chanting. Cremated remains may be collected by the family the following day, and may be kept by the family, enshrined in a columbarium or urn garden, or scattered at sea. 

5- Dress Code At A Buddhist Funeral

 

Mourners should wear white rather than black clothing to symbolize their grief and seriousness. 

Interment 

If the body is to be buried, monks may be present at the gravesite and lead chanting. If no monks are present, family members may lead chanting. Then the casket should be placed into the grave.