Buddhism: Rituals of Death & Mourning | Religion, Philosophy & Ethics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Ceremonies and Rituals Associated With Death & Mourning

How Buddhist Beliefs About Death Affect Funerals

• Buddhism holds that upon death, a person’s kammic energy departs their body and is reborn into a new form. Death is viewed not as an end but as a transition to another existence. 
• While Buddhists naturally mourn loved ones, they are guided by the Buddha’s teachings on impermanence as a fundamental aspect of life. Funerals serve as a poignant reminder of this impermanence, teaching that nothing is permanent and that accepting this reality can reduce suffering. 
• Funeral practices vary across Buddhist traditions and countries, with some being vibrant and elaborate, while others are quiet and simple.

Theravada Funerals

• In Theravada Buddhist communities, funerals are typically modest, with minimal spending. Instead of lavish ceremonies, family and friends may contribute to a charitable cause, dedicating the merit to the deceased. 
• Rituals to transfer merit are often performed by mourners or family members, such as offering cloth for new robes to a senior monk at a local monastery on behalf of the departed. 
• A quote from Thubten Zopa Rinpoche, a Nepalese Buddhist monk, states, “At the hour of death, the king and the beggar are exactly equal in that no amount of relatives or possessions can affect or prevent death. 
• But who is the richer at the time of death? If the beggar has created more merits, then although he looks materially poor, he is really the rich man.”
• A shrine may feature a photograph of the deceased, accompanied by offerings to the Buddha, such as candles, incense, and flowers. An image of the Buddha is typically placed beside or in front of the shrine. 
• Monks often participate in the funeral of a layperson, delivering a sermon and conducting Buddhist rites before the casket is sealed. The deceased may be cremated or buried, though cremation is more traditional and common. 
• A funeral procession may take place, with family members walking behind the hearse. All attendees are encouraged to send positive thoughts to the family and reflect on life’s impermanence.

Funerals in Tibet

• Tibetan Buddhist funeral practices differ slightly. One traditional practice is sky burial, where the body is placed in an elevated location as an offering to vultures. 
• This custom arose due to practical constraints, such as a lack of firewood and ground too frozen for burial. However, cremation has become more common today. 
• Revered teachers are traditionally cremated, with their remains enshrined in a stupa, which becomes a place of reverence and worship. For all deaths, ceremonies involving prayers and offerings of yak-butter lamps are held every seven days for 49 days following the death.

Funerals in Japan

• In Japanese Pure Land Buddhism, the coffin is often oriented with the head facing west. 
• During the funeral, mourners chant the name of Amitabha Buddha while processing around the coffin. 
• After cremation, it is customary for relatives to gather and carefully select bones from the ashes using chopsticks. 
• Similar to Tibetan practices, the remains may be kept for 49 days, with prayers offered every seventh day during this period.