Buddhist, Hindu and Secular

Bonze

title for a Buddhist priest

Book of Dates

calendar utilized in the Buddhist faith providing the appropriate time for encasketing, services, and final disposition.

Buddha Altar

placed at a right angle to the Deceased alter; contains an image of Buddha, incense, candles, flowers, and fruits.

Ceremony of the Declaration of Death

a time the family gathers for emotional support in the reality of death.

Dharma

the right way of living; the holistic order of all things

Deceased Altar

placed before the casket with photos, candles, oil lamp, incense vase, flowers, fruits, and food.

Gatha

the verses of a Buddhist hymn sung during the funeral service

Kasaya

ceremonial robes worn by Buddhist Priest

Makura-Gyo

a prayer recited at the bedside or prior to the

arrangement conference; said or chanted after the death has occurred

Nirvana

literally “to blow out”; the ultimate loss of self and

unification with all things

Pagoda

place of religious activities in Buddhist practice

Paper Joss

money burned to assist the deceased in the afterlife

Service of Encasketing

a sacred rite of casketing the body in Buddhist

practice

Words of Appreciation

a message of appreciation from the family given after the funeral service.