Expert: Laurie McLauglin - 5/7/2011

Question
Do Buddists  have "Wakes" after death for the living?

Answer
Hello Hy -

Thank you for letting me answer your question.

Since Buddhism is practiced in so many countries, it is really up to the traditions of that individual country ss to what kind of wake takes place.

From what I understand of practices in the east, once the conciousness has left the body, then people can gather at the home of the deceased to pay their last respects and to be supportive of the family that has had the loss, which might be interpreted by you as a wake.

Because Buddha Shakyamuni was cremated, it is customary for Buddhists to be cremated for western Buddhists, therefore once the consciousness has left the body, there is a short time when people can gather and pay respects and have more of a western service before the body is cremated.

If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to let me know.

Namaste - Laurie