2.7 ceremonies and rituals assiciated with death and mourning

Why is death not seen as the end in Buddhist tradition ?

as when a Buddhist dies their kammic energy leave their body and is reborn into a new one so death is just a transition from one from to another - funerals remind Buddhists that life is impermanent

What is transfer of merit ?

giving a gift to the body which transfers good karma so more good karma goes to the next person

P

What are rituals ?

• might offer cloth to make new robes to a senior monk of a nearby monastery on behalf of the deceased person

• fresh flowers that can die

What is a shrine ?

it may be set up to display the deceased’s portraits along with :

• incense - symbolises purity

• candles - symbolises wisdom

• flowers - symbolises impermanence

Describe what happens during a funeral ?

• the deceased is cremated or buried

• monks perform the last rites

• family member assist in lifting the casket as a final act of service

• during funeral procession - family walks behind the hearse

Explain what a sky burial is ?

the body is left in a high place as a gift to the vultures, this is seen as both practical and generous

What do ceremonies involve ?

• prayers

• offerings of yak butter lamps made every 7 days for 49 days after death

Describe what happens during Japanese Pure Land funerals ?

They place the head to the west as that’s where they believe Sukhavati is. This assembled chant ‘Nemo Amida Bu’ as they process it