As a religion centred on reincarnation and karma, the customs and rituals of a Buddhist funeral service reflect this belief. However, you may be at a loss for what to do if you are unaware of what happens during a Buddhist funeral in Singapore and the correct etiquette to follow. Let us help by educating you on this subject to ensure you pay your proper respect to the departed during the ceremony.
The concepts of reincarnation and karma in Buddhism
The concepts of reincarnation and karma are significant tenets of Buddhism. In particular, the latter is believed to impact the former, with the quality and quantity of karma a person accumulates affecting how they reincarnate in their next life. This belief informs the vast majority of the customs and rites of a Buddhist funeral service, as the various rituals performed by the priest during the ceremony are designed to ensure a smooth transition from one life to another for the departed soul.
Buddhist funeral rites and customs
While Buddhists believe that death is a transition from one life to another, it is still customary to arrange a funeral service for the bereaved family to express their grief and display a final act of love and filial piety as they bid farewell to their loved one. Please note that the funeral rites may vary between different traditions and sects. Nevertheless, the basics remain the same.
Generally, a Buddhist funeral in Singapore is held at a funeral parlour or the void deck of the departed’s home. One element guests will notice is the presence of an altar, which serves as a focal point for prayers and offerings and is adorned with flowers, incense, candles, and a portrait of the deceased.
Chanting and reciting the Buddhist scriptures are also a significant part of Buddhist funerals, with Buddhist monks or priests often leading family members and friends in the chanting of the sutra and other sacred texts during the wake. The belief is that the chanting will help cleanse the departed’s past karma and help guide them safely through the transition to their next life. These rituals are typically conducted on the first day, last night, and the day of the funeral procession.
After the chanting is completed on the day of the funeral procession, the funeral hearse will transport the body to a crematorium for cremation. Cremation is the most common disposition method for the body in a Buddhist funeral. Practitioners believe that through fire, the physical body is returned to the elements while the spirit moves on. The ashes are then scattered at sea or collected in an urn and enshrined in a columbarium or a temple.
Whether you are part of the bereaved family or a guest, attending a Buddhist funeral service requires sensitivity and respect for the departed and their religious beliefs. For a start, that means dressing in sombre, modest clothing in dark or muted colours. Vibrant hues, especially red, must be avoided, as red is widely considered a celebration colour in Chinese culture. Please refrain from wearing flashy accessories, like jewellery pieces, too.
When approaching the casket to pay your respects, you can choose to pause reverently for a moment of silence or bow in front of the altar. While there is no restriction on the number of joss sticks to use when paying your respects, the usual custom is to light a single joss stick. It is also encouraged to share a few words of condolences to the bereaved family and exchange a respectful bow.
While it is not mandatory to make a donation, many guests typically offer a monetary contribution – known as pek kim (帛金) – to assist the bereaved family with the funeral costs. Generally, a reception table is set up for this specific purpose, with a book for you to write your name and the sum contributed. There is no fixed amount to donate, so it is up to the specific individual to decide how much they want to give.
As a guest, you are encouraged to join the chanting and meditation scheduled throughout the duration of the Buddhist funeral. You can follow the lead of the priest if you are unsure of what to do. Alternatively, you can politely decline if you feel uncomfortable joining the rites. However, please maintain silence and avoid engaging in unrelated conversations or using your mobile phone. Please inform the bereaved family if you must depart urgently during the ritual before leaving quietly.
We hope what we shared has provided you with a clear idea of what to expect during a Buddhist funeral service. Please note the proper etiquette to follow to ensure you demonstrate your respect to the departed and the bereaved family.
At Excellence Funeral Services, our team possesses years of experience handling funerals of various faiths. Feel free to contact us if you are unsure of how to arrange a Buddhist funeral and the cost of a Buddhist funeral package. Our funeral directors will be glad to assist you with the necessary arrangements.
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