Buddhist Funeral Services

Although funeral customs within the Buddhist religions differ, every Buddhist shares a basic philosophy of life and death that is very different from Western beliefs. Buddhists believe that every soul is reborn into the world of suffering (our universe) until the soul has been cleansed. The goal of the Buddhist is to escape the cycle of rebirth by achieving Nirvana.

Nirvana is not viewed as a heaven, but as a state of bliss beyond the world of suffering, which can only be achieved when the individual has purified his soul by practicing: right understanding; right thought; right speech; right mindfulness; right livelihood; right action: and right concentration. Through conscious practice, he separates from the unjust and material world. They use the knowledge gained in past lives to enhance the journey to enlightenment, which takes hundreds of lifetimes of strong dedication and focus.

Although Nirvana is the ultimate freedom from suffering, many Buddhists believe that through placing faith in a higher being (a Buddha is someone who has achieved Nirvana) one can also achieve freedom from suffering. These Buddhists believe that their Buddha will create a place of bliss for his followers in the afterlife. Therefore death offers an opportunity for improvement.

When family and friends express grief at Buddhist funeral services, their main objective is to ensure the deceased a safe and pleasant journey to the next life. To do this, they may:

• Wear a traditional white cloth as a headband or armband.
• Walk with sticks to symbolize that grief has left them the need for support.
• Chant appropriate sutras (prayers).
• Bring offerings of flowers and fruit.
• Burn incense to sweeten the air.

Although Buddhists understand death is not an end, only a transition from one form to another, it is acceptable to show grief. In doing so, friends and family members acknowledge the loss of their loved one.

Go to Overview of Funeral Customs
Go to Learn About Funerals — Index of Topics.