Buddhist Funeral Program Samples
admin 14.09.2019
Buddhist statue at Po Lin Monastery – Lantau Island. Note: Buddhist funeral customs vary between traditions or “schools” and even within schools, depending on the country—for example, Zen in Taiwan and Zen in Japan are different. The following information is generalized to fit many or most Buddhist traditions. If you have specific questions relating to Buddhist funeral customs for an individual sect, we recommend that you consult with your spiritual advisor.
Here is a sample funeral program to give ideas for creating and writing a funeral program for a funeral or memorial.
- A Guide to a Proper Buddhist Funeral. Of the list was the need for a Proper Buddhist Funeral Service. The Buddhist community in Malaysia is com.
- Funeral Program Templates Buddhism 01 Brochure. For more Funeral Program Templates and Thank You note/Card samples and other memorial design templates for different.
Funeral customs differ within the various Buddhist sects and from one country to the next. Some funerals are very ritualistic and traditional, while others are quite simple, solemn, and dignified. Rather than spend lavishly on expensive but perhaps meaningless traditions and rituals, the family and friends may donate to a worthy cause and transfer the merit to the deceased. Peace and serenity are hallmarks of a Buddhist funeral. An altar is set up to display the deceased’s portrait, along with offerings of candles, incense, flowers, and fruit. An image of the Buddha is placed beside or in front of the altar. According to Buddhist funeral customs, a service may be presided over by monks, who will deliver a sermon and perform Buddhist rites.
If a monk is unavailable, others may conduct the service. Rituals that transfer merit to the deceased may be performed by family or other mourners, such as offering cloth to the presiding monk on the deceased’s behalf, pouring water from a vessel into an overflowing cup, preaching, and giving offerings or almsgiving. At a traditional Buddhist funeral, the family will wear white or cover their clothing with a traditional white cloth, along with a headband or armband. Mourners may also:. Walk with sticks to symbolize that grief has left them the need for support. Chant or sing appropriate sutras (prayers). Bring offerings of flowers and fruit.
Burn incense to sweeten the air. Ring gongs or bells Although Buddhists understand that death is not an end, only a transition from one form to another, it is acceptable to show grief. In doing so, friends and family members acknowledge the loss of their loved one. The focus, however, should be on understanding the transiency of life, thinking about one’s own mortality as an impetus to make life meaningful, and performing good deeds on behalf of the deceased person.
The deceased may be cremated or buried, although cremation is traditional. Monks, if present, will perform last rites before the casket is sealed. Family members may assist in lifting the casket as a final act of service, while others attending may observe a moment of respectful silence. During the funeral procession, family members may walk behind the hearse; all attendees should be sending good thoughts to the family and contemplating the impermanence of life. The Buddha said, Life is a journey.
Funeral Program Samples Templates
Death is a return to earth. The universe is like an inn.
The passing years are like dust. Regard this phantom world As a star at dawn, a bubble in a stream, A flash of lightning in a summer cloud, A flickering lamp – a phantom – and a dream.Vairacchedika 32. Buddhist Funeral Customs Quick Reference Guide Length of Service 45 – 75 minutes Flowers?
Yes – white or yellow Food? No Dress Code? (Men/Women) Dark & Casual Recording Devices? No Source of Readings? Sutras Open Casket? Always Return to Work?
(Days) No specific time No. Of Days to Mourn? 90 Embalming? Accepted Cremation? Preferred Body/Organ Donation? Valued as an act of compassion but up the individual’s preference.
THANK YOU # 1 Your comforting expressions of sympathy will always be remembered with deep gratitude. THANK YOU # 2 Of great comfort during our sorrow were the expressions of sympathy conveyed to us in many ways.
We appreciate your thoughtfulness and thank you most sincerely. THANK YOU # 3 The family of the late name of deceased wish to express their appreciation for your kind thoughts and expressions of sympathy. THANK YOU # 4 Thank you sincerely for your kind expressions of sympathy during our recent bereavement. THANK YOU # 5 The family of name of deceased wishes to thank you most sincerely for your expressions of kindness and sympathy.
Sample Of Japanese Buddhist Funeral Program
THANK YOU # 6 We wish to warmly thank you for your comforting words and genuine acts of kindness in our time of sadness. THANK YOU # 7 The family wishes to express their deep appreciation and sincerely thank you for your kind expressions of sympathy. THANK YOU # 8 Thank you for your prayers and support during our time of loss. It has meant so much to our family. THANK YOU # 9 Your kind expression of sympathy Is gratefully acknowledged And deeply appreciated The Family of (Your Loved One's Full Name) THANK YOU # 10 The Family of (Your Loved One's Full Name) Acknowledges with deep appreciation Your kind expression of sympathy.
THANK YOU # 11 Thank you sincerely for your kind and thoughtful expression of sympathy during our time of bereavement. THANK YOU # 12 We are sincerely grateful to the many friends who have given us support and comfort during this time of loss.
THANK YOU # 13 (Your Loved One's Full Name). Your presence helped to lighten our burden.
I was grateful to enjoy your company and hear your lovely memories. THANK YOU # 14 Perhaps you sent a lovely card, or sat quietly in a chair. Perhaps you sent those beautiful flowers, that we saw sitting there. Perhaps you spoke the kindest words, as any friend could say. Perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day.
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Whatever you did to console our hearts we thank you so much for whatever part. THANK YOU #15 We deeply appreciate your kind expression of sympathy in our time of great sorrow. Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.