Death and funerals, beliefs and practices

what do Buddhists believe about death (in relation to anicca)

buddha taught impermanence is a natural part of life, so death is a natural part of life. This does not mean it is unimportant, but rather is an opportunity to reflect on the teachings of the dhamma.

what do Buddhists believe about death

karmic energy leaves your body in death and is reborn into a new one, transcends and enters a new one, the only thing that does. therefore, your karma affects your rebirth and what form/situation you are born into

the transition from one form to another, is another example of anicca and anatta as it is ongoing impermanence with no fixed form

it is not like reincarnation in hinduism, no soul or fixed self, only karmic energy is reborn

why dont’t Buddhists fear death?

death is inevitable and unescapable

it is completely unknown, a mystery. it cannot be known

uncertainty is nothing to be feared because there is always the possibility of escaping the cycle of samsara.

rebirth is controlled by karmic energy, which can be controlled. good karmic energy, leading to good rebirth after death, can be generated by skilful actions.

what else do therevada buddhists beleive can be transferred?

they believe that merit produce by their own good actions can be transferred to a dead person to help them have a favourable rebirth. “who is richer at the time of death? if the beggar has created more merits, then although he looks materially poor, he is really the richman” - Rinpoche (Nepalese buddhist monk)

what is the arguable issue with this idea?

it implies that the karma and merits are attached to something constant in rebirth, like an indentity? this idea contradicts to the universal truth of anatta

if merit is fixed in rebirth then this consistency creates a sense of identity or a measure of self. which is problematic

what are the Theravada funeral customs

• funerals are generally inexpensive, more simple, reflective and calm. not elaborate

• families offer cloth to the bikkhus

• a shrine may be set up in the home of the deceased

• mourners walk behind hearse (vehicle moving the coffin)

• family members assist in lifting the casket in a final act of service, whereas other with observe in respectful and reflective silence

• cremation is common, as it follows the ways of the buddha.

why are funerals inexpensive for Theravada buddhists?

instead of spending money on an elaborate funeral, families will donate to a good cause or charity. this transfers merit to the deceased and generated good karma, contributing to a favourable rebirth.

why do families offer cloth to bikkhus?

this is a ritual performed by the family or other mourners, this transfers merit to the dead person as it is a skillfull/good action. they offer cloth to make new robes for monks in monasteries on behalf of the dead person

why do mourners walk behind the hearse

This is so they can send good thoughts to the family and dead person. Also so that they can contemplate the impermanence of life and their own inevitable death and rebirth.

what does the shrine contain that may be set up?

displays the deceased portrait, image of the buddha or buddha Rupa and offerings to the buddha eg. candles, flowers and incense.

What do monks/bikkhus do at a funeral?

They will lead the funeral service, which involve giving a sermon or reciting mantras that remind everyone of impermanence.

Tibetan (mahayana) traditions

• tibetan sky burials, for lay buddhists. the corpse is left at the top of a specific hill, as a gift for the vultures to eat. giving the animals food is practical but is also a compassionate action and is in accordance with the teachings of dependent arising, where all live is interconnected and dependent on eachother.

• also this compassion follows the ways of the buddha, as it is believed that the buddha in a past life gave his life for a hungry tigress, out of compassion.

• revered teachers are cremated and stores in a stupa, to become a site for worship. this allows buddhists to give thanks and praise to all that the important buddhist has done, act of respect.

japanese pure land funeral customs

The coffin is placed with the head of the deceased pointing west, towards the direction of Sukhavati (the pure land) to commemorate and help the enterance into the pure land. Also, thos assembled chant the amitabha buddhas name as they process around the coffin, which is key in ensuring the deceased enters the western pure land.