Buddhist funerals

Kammic Energy

This leaves a Buddhists body on death and is reborn in a new one.

transfer the merit

Family and friends of a Buddhists donate to a worthy cause and transfer the merit (the kamma) to the deceased to help them have a favorable rebirth.

Tibetan Sky burial

Taken up into the mountains, given a ceremony and left for vultures to feed on. Remains are placed in a chorten.

Chorten

Tibetan Buddhist stupa where remains from a Tibetan Sky Burial are placed. Offerings are made every 7 days for 49 days.

Pure land Buddhist burial

Coffin is placed with head facing west in the direction of Sukhavati, chants of 'Namo Amida Butsu', relatives collect bone fragments from the ashes using chopsticks. Remains are kept for 49 days with prayers being said every 7 days.

Sukhavati

The paradise where Amitabha Buddha lives, and where Pure Land Buddhists aim to be reborn.

Namo Amida Butsu

"Namo" means "I take refuge", and "Amida Butsu" means "in Amida Buddha" the Amitabha Buddha.

Amitabha

Buddha of the Pure Land

Stupa

Buddhist shrine that is shaped like a dome. The cremated remains of revered teachers are placed here and it becomes a site of worship.

Yak-butter lamps

Traditionally burn yak butter. Used to focus the mind in meditation and gain merit. Used as offerings to the deceased to transfer merit.

Annica

Impermanence is contemplated by mourners