Buddhist funeral procedures stick to unique beliefs pertaining death and dying. At the center of these beliefs is the idea that death is a natural part of life and that the soul is reincarnated into a new body after death. Whether you plan on attending a Buddhist funeral, arranging one, or merely seeking knowledge about their religious practice, this useful guide to Buddhist funeral procedure is here to help.
Buddhist Beliefs About Death
Buddhism carries with it numerous denominations across different cultures, but an important belief is samsara. Samsara is a concept of reincarnation rooted in the idea that an individual’s soul or spirit is caught in an infinite cycle of life, death, and rebirth. But the aim of samsara is to break free from the cycle of death and rebirth to realize a state of nirvana. This entails letting go of basic desires and abandoning all notions of self.
Before The Buddhist Funeral
In Buddhist teachings, it is ideal that death occurs in a peaceful and serene environment. As per Buddhist beliefs, the soul doesn’t leave the body right away after the ceasing of breath. Rather, it is advised that the deceased body should be touched and located for at least four hours after death.
When preparing the body, it must be completely cooled before it is washed and prepared for either burial or cremation. The deceased is typically dressed in their everyday clothing rather than fancy and attire.
Important Days In The Buddhist Mourning Period
In Buddhism, the mourning period has specific days of significance due to the belief that rebirth occurs 49 days after a person’s death. Prayers are held every seven days during the 49-day mourning period to help the deceased transition to their afterlife.
On the third day after the passing of a loved one, a religious ceremony and service is typically conducted, but the timing of this service tends to vary depending on the family’s wishes and the situation surrounding the death.
The Visitation
One notable Buddhist funeral procedure is the visitation, which happens either in a funeral home or at a Buddhist temple before the funeral service. This serves as the perfect opportunity for friends and family to spend time with the deceased and reflect on their life. During this period, it’s common for loved ones to remember the person’s good deeds and undertake similar acts of kindness in their honor.