Among the many denominations in Buddhism, the concept of Samsara (life and death are a part of the cycle) occupies significant importance. Buddhists view death as a transition of the soul into a new life and a chance to attain absolute bliss and peace. Death is an important religious occasion in Buddhism that assists the departed soul to travel to their future life.
A Singapore Buddhist funeral package arranges a funeral according to the family’s specific school of thought and wishes. Here are some of the common traditions that are observed during most Buddhist funerals.
Death of a Buddhist
Some believers follow the Last Rites of Amitabha of not touching, disturbing, or moving the deceased’s body for up to eight hours. According to them, during this transition period, the soul is in most pain and suffering. Some also opt for Buddhist chanting and music to soothe the departing soul.
The body is washed, cleaned and prepared for burial or cremation when it is completely cold. Buddhists dress their deceased in simple clothes that they usually wear on their regular days.
A Buddhist Funeral
The Buddhist funerals are all about peace and serenity. Family members chant the Buddhist sutra around the body. This Diamond Sutra removes the sins and creates a path of enlightenment.
The family plans a ceremony to bid a heartfelt farewell to their loved one for the funeral service. Monks usually conduct these services with prayers and meditation included. The funeral is followed by the cremation or burial process. Some funerals are conducted traditionally, whereas some create a blend of Buddhist/Christian traditions.
Buddhist Death Rituals
Buddhists observe some specific rituals and ceremonies to ease this journey into the new life. Some common practices and traditions of Buddhist funerals include:
- Creating an environment of extreme calmness and peace. Common family members and close friends are present in this passing period.
- The loved ones reflect upon the good deeds of the passing soul and their accomplishments made during their lifetime.
- Some also perform good deeds on behalf of the late individual to enlighten their path with blessings and prayers.
- Many Buddhists also choose to donate body organs to help others or for research purposes.
When are Buddhist Funerals Held?
Buddhist memorial services can be held on the third, seventh, forty-ninth, or the hundredth day after the death. The families decide on these days according to their schedules as there is no fixed obligation.
These religious ceremonies are held at home or a monastery, and the attendants are decided by the family of the deceased. It can be a large or a small gathering, depending on the family’s choice.
Performing Dana: It is an act of purifying the giver’s mind and bringing blessings to the community. It is one of the three jewels (also known as Sangha). These blessings are directly transferred to the deceased soul.
The Final Rituals
To perform the last rites, monks are invited on the day of burial or cremation. They chant the sutras, which include ‘going for refuge’ of the Three Jewels and the Precepts.
After the funeral ceremony, the casket is sealed and brought to the hall or crematorium through vehicles. These vehicles are usually included in the Singapore Buddhist funeral package.
Divine Casket Singapore was established in 2004 by the late Silvester, one of the first few embalmers in Singapore. Through his dedication to the craft of embalming, he sought to provide the best for the deceased, emphasizing respect for those who have passed and remembering those who have been left behind. His craftsmanship has earned much praise and compliment throughout the 1990s from grateful clients.
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