Expert: Alex Wilding - 5/18/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I am currently doing an assignment on how compatible Buddhism and Hindu death beliefs/ funerals are.

What are the main beliefs in regards to death in Buddhism? Is there any set plan in how funerals are conducted? are there any restrictions or rules that must be followed in funerals?

Thank you for your help
Regards Rishan

ANSWER: Hi Rishan,
Buddhism is embedded in a number of different cultures, and the death rites vary to some extent on that basis. There is no blanket rule. About the only thing that is more or less universal would be some way of disposing of the body that is acceptably hygienic, respectful, allows some chance to mourn and an opportunity to make wishes for the welfare of the deceased in whatever place they have wandered to.
Sometimes death rites are very elaborate - those for high-ranking Tibetan lamas can involve weeks and weeks of elaborate ceremonies.
Bereaved people are often in a vulnerable state, and it is important to make any decisions in this area on the basis of the *particular tradition and culture* of those concerned. Buddhism as a whole has too many faces for a one-size-fits-all solution to be very helpful.
Not a lot of help, I know, but there you are - you will need, I think, to look at specific traditions rather than Buddhism as a whole.
Best wishes

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi again,

What is the purpose of this ritual, i know its a funeral, but is it supposed to make family and freinds feel happy for the deceased. is it to celebrate the deceased moving?

Are there any special roles that family members or monks must carry out througout the funeral?

How are the participants positioned to feel?

Is there any special symbolism used?

and are there any special places in which funerals are carried out.

Thanks for your help
Regards
Rishan

Answer
Hi Rishan,
Sorry it has taken so long to reply.
I think the main purpose of the ritual is simply to help remaining friends and family come to terms with the loss. Like the funeral ceremonies of any religion, it gives a chance to express and acknowledge the feelings of sadness.
The good wishes that are expressed are also intended to create a good "psychic environment" for the deceased - in some forms of Buddhism it is thought that the consciousness of the deceased hangs around for a while before the winds of karma blow it on.
Monks are often employed for the chanting. The associated symbolism is rich and complex, especially in Tibetan Buddhism, and there are books about this. I might suggest "Secret Doctrines of the Tibetan Books of the Dead" (Lauf, Shambhala) for a start if you are interested.
Because Buddhism does not look to resurrection of the body in the Christian sense bodies are not kept in cemeteries; only a few bodies, those of very important lamas, are kept as a focus of veneration. But yes, there are places where bodies are disposed of, either by burning or by dismemberment (with feeding to vultures).
I hope that helps a bit.