Buddhist Funerals
There are many types of Buddhism throughout the world, meaning funerals don't always follow a prescribed format, however they will be a simple, dignified occasion with some common traditions.
Mourners should approach the altar and bow with their hands in the prayer position when entering the venue of the funeral service. It is said that this allows the mourner to reflect on the life of the person that has died before taking their seat.
Funerals where Buddhist monks are in attendance, should have chairs or higher seats for the monks to sit on and all other mourners should rise when the monks stand.
Displays of wealth are not usual with the faith and therefore mourners are expected to dress in simple clothing. The wearing of specific colours applies depending on the nationality of the Buddhist, for example Japanese Buddhists will wear black but other nationalities will wear white.
A Buddhist funeral will always be a simple and dignified event.
Buddha was cremated, therefore most Buddhist funerals will follow this path. Typically, in Buddhist culture, the cremations take place on funeral pyres however as this is illegal in the UK, some families may choose to witness the cremation which is possible within Colwyn Bay Crematorium.
Usually at a Buddhist funeral, there will be an altar decorated with the image of the person that has died, an image of Buddha, flowers, candles and incense. Flowers may be given to the bereaved. The Buddhist community or monk would read sermons and deliver the eulogy, and chanting is a feature of a Buddhist funeral.
The Buddhist belief about end of life is different to other religions. Death is widely accepted by the Buddhist faith to be a part of the continual cycle of life, known as saṃsāra, which incorporates reincarnation. A Buddhist's actions in their current life will determine how they will be reincarnated.
The donation of organs and bodies after death is acceptable to the Buddhist faith however embalming is discouraged.
