Expert: Justin Choo - 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,

Thank you for asking me.

The teachings of the Buddha are about seeking understanding of life, in order to live in peace and happiness. Even during the Buddha's time the Indian people had already a very developed and structured culture. All of life's social events were already structured. Religions were just a part of their cultural life. The Buddha need not have to introduce any ceremonial rites and rituals for major events in life for the already highly civilized peoples.

Buddhism is very different from Christianity. Buddhism solely focuses on spiritual development. Buddhism was introduced into well-developed societies of Asia. That is why the various Asian countries can practise the teachings of the Buddha while maintaining their cultures, without having to change their traditional practices. This gives rise to different traditions of Buddhism.   As such the Thais, the Sri Lankans, the Myanmar people, the Chinese, and so on, will just follow their respective traditional practices.  As death is a common event, different Buddhist communities  would incorporate Buddhist rites and rituals perculiar to their respective cultures and traditions.

Take care.

Justin Choo

---------- 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,

As I said, there is no "standard" funeral procedure for Buddhists.  Most rites and rituals would be in accordance with the nationality of the followers, although there is some basic accepted procedures for the different traditions, Mahayana, Theravada, Tibetan, etc.

I practise the Theravada tradition.  But I did not "follow" any "Buddhist procedure" because frankly there is none from the Buddha. When my mother died I did it "my way".  I recited some short recitations, paid my respect to her; and that's it.

Take care.

Justin Choo