Expert: Alex Wilding - 6/12/2011

Question
Hi, I have a few questions about the death and funeral rituals in Tibetan Buddhism. These are:
1. What exactly is the ritual for a death? (e.g. is there chants, fasting etc)
2. What are the steps involved in a Buddhist funeral & what is it's purpose?
3. Who is involved in the death and/or funeral (e.g. monks, nuns, mother, father etc)
4. Is anyone allowed to participate? Both men and women?
5. What does the death and funeral do and mean for the community, and how can/does the community participate?

Your help is much appreciated, thank you.
6. What symbols and/or objects are used in the death and/or funeral, and what do they mean?
7. Does the death and funeral make present a divine?

6.

Answer
Hi Caitlin,
These are very large questions - a research project, really. There is only scope here to say a few things, as there is a lot of variety.
1. There will certainly be chanting. There may be fasting.
2. To say goodbye, if possible to send the deceased of with good wishes. It can be very complicated, but does not have to be.
3. All of these may be. If the deceased had a particular personal teacher who is still alive, it is good if they can be involved.
4. In principle, yes, though some things can be reserved for e.g. monks and nuns.
5. Most often family are involved. Whether the "community" is involved will depend on that community.
6. Many. I suggest you read something like "Secret Doctrines of the Tibetan Books of the Dead" by Detlef Ingo Lauf, translated by Graham Parkes, Shambhala Publications, 0-87773-103-9
7. Yes and no. What do you mean by "a divine"?

Seriously, many pages would be needed to give a good answer to even one of your points. If you can be more specific I might be able to help further.

Best wishes
Alex W