Death, mourning and Buddhist festivals

Overview

These questions cover Theravada funerals and the transfer of merit, Japanese mourning customs and the butsudan, the Tibetan bardo and sky burial, the festivals of Wesak and Parinirvana Day, and retreats in Britain.

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Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   Why do Buddhist funerals emphasise impermanence?

   Model answer

   Death is the clearest example of anicca, the impermanence of all things. Funerals remind mourners to use their own lives well.

2. 2

   Describe a Theravada Buddhist funeral.

   Model answer

   Monks are invited to chant verses from the scriptures beside the body. The family gives food and cloth to the monks and transfers the merit to the dead person.

3. 3

   What is meant by transferring merit to a dead person?

   Model answer

   Relatives perform good deeds such as giving to monks and dedicate the benefit to the dead. Merit transferred in this way is believed to help the next rebirth.

4. 4

   How is the body usually treated in Theravada funerals?

   Model answer

   Cremation is the usual practice, following the example of the Buddha. Ashes may be scattered or placed in a stupa.

5. 5

   Describe Buddhist mourning customs in Japan.

   Model answer

   Japanese Buddhist funerals include incense offerings and the giving of a new name to the dead person. Memorial services are held at intervals over forty-nine days.

6. 6

   What is a butsudan?

   Model answer

   A butsudan is a Buddhist altar kept in a Japanese home. Photographs and tablets of dead relatives are placed there and offered food and incense.

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