Buddhist Funeral Ceremony

In Buddhism, death is a very significant event in ones life. It is not regarded as the end of life, but the start of a transition to a new form of existence in one of the six realms. One will inevitably be reborn until Enlightenment is reached where the rebirth cycle ends, and we are free from the limitations of existence. Reaching this is the ultimate aim of a Buddhist. As death is such an important event, a Buddhist funeral is a significant ceremony. The ceremony has evolved within different communities, but there are some common rituals. One important ritual within the funeral is the offering of cloth on behalf of the dead. Monks are assembled at the ceremony, and are presented with a new, white cloth intended for the creation of monastic robes. The monks recite the phrase: Impermanent, alas, are formations, subject to rise and fall. Having arisen, they cease; their subsiding is bliss. This saying holds a connection to the central teaching of Buddha life is impermanent. This part of the funeral rites reminds us that death was inevitable. Death is not only an important time for the deceased, but also for the relatives and friends who still live. The teaching comforts those mourning and reinforces the teaching of the Buddha. The next important part of the funeral is the blessing for the departed, where close relatives sit by the coffin and pour water into a cup or dish until it overflows, while the monks chant. The pouring of the water symbolises the transition of merit to the deceased in the hope that they will find relief from suffering in their new existence. Merit accumulates from good deeds and is what brings us closer to Enlightenment. The transition of merit links to the Four Noble Truths four teachings from the Buddha which form the basis of the religion. These state that: all of life is marked by suffering; suffering is caused by desire and attachment; suffering can be stopped; and the way to end suffering is the noble eightfold path. By the transition of merit to the deceased, Buddhists hope to decrease their suffering. In Early Buddhist funerals and often in Buddhist funerals of today, the body of the deceased is cremated. This is meant to represent detachment of the dead, so that they are free to progress to their new existence after rebirth. This links to the Buddhist teaching that attachment to impermanent things causes suffering and sorrow. The Buddha urged people to free themselves from all attachment. Cremation symbolises the detachment of spirit and body, and the detachment of us and the dead, as we realise again that life is impermanent. In conclusion, to a Buddhist, the funeral ceremony is an opportunity to help their deceased loved ones through the transition of merit, and it is also a time to reflect on the teachings of the Buddha.