Planning A Buddhist Funeral In Singapore – What You Must Know

For Buddhists in Singapore, the transition of a loved one holds profound religious significance, symbolizing the cyclic nature of life and marking the powerful juncture of rebirth, in accordance with Buddhist teachings.

As a result, funeral services and wakes for Chinese Buddhists diverge from those of other religions and individuals who identify as freethinkers. While certain elements of a standard funeral are retained, there are significant variations worth highlighting, such as the presence of monks and the ceremonial burning of incense.

This article aims to guide you through the customs and noteworthy distinctions associated with organizing a Chinese Buddhist funeral service.

1. Understanding Buddhist Traditions

Buddhism, with its roots in compassion, mindfulness, and the cycle of life and death, guides the funeral customs. The key principle is to offer a respectful departure for the departed soul and support for those left behind.

In Buddhism, life is seen as a continuous cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth – known as samsara. The goal is to break free from this cycle and achieve enlightenment, or nirvana.

So, a Buddhist funeral is not just a farewell; it’s a profound ritual aimed at easing the departed soul’s journey and aiding in their pursuit of a favorable rebirth.

2. Choosing the Right Funeral Service Provider

In the midst of grief, planning a funeral can be overwhelming. This is where a Buddhist funeral service provider comes in handy.

They provide funeral directors who are well-versed in the intricacies of Buddhist customs and can guide you through the process with respect and sensitivity.

Look for a service provider that aligns with Buddhist values and has experience in handling Buddhist funerals in Singapore. They can assist with arranging the venue, coordinating monks, and ensuring that the ceremony adheres to the specific rituals and traditions relevant to the deceased’s Buddhist affiliation. 

3. Selecting the Right Venue

In Singapore, you’ll find a variety of options, including funeral parlors, Buddhist temples, and even home setups. The venue should provide a serene and sacred space for the funeral rites to unfold.

Buddhist temples, with their spiritual ambiance, are often preferred for holding funeral ceremonies. If the deceased had a specific temple affiliation, this choice can hold even greater significance. Alternatively, some families opt for home-based ceremonies, creating a more intimate atmosphere for family and friends to come together in remembrance.

4. Engaging Monks As Spiritual Guides in the Ceremony

Monks play a central role in Buddhist funerals, offering spiritual guidance and conducting important rituals.

When planning a Buddhist funeral in Singapore, you’ll want to engage monks from a reputable temple or monastery.

Monks lead prayers, chant sutras (Buddhist scriptures), and perform rites that are believed to ease the transition of the departed soul. It’s customary to offer alms to the monks as a gesture of respect and gratitude for their spiritual guidance during the funeral.

5. Understand The Buddhist Funeral Rituals & Customs

Merit-Making and Almsgiving:

Merit-making is a key aspect of Buddhist funerals. It involves performing good deeds and acts of generosity to accumulate positive karma for the deceased. Almsgiving to monks is a common practice, symbolizing the transfer of merit to the departed soul.

Offering of Funeral Flowers:

Flowers hold special symbolism in Buddhist rituals. White flowers, in particular, are considered pure and are often used to express condolences. Placing these flowers near the casket or funeral urn is a gesture of respect.

Walking Around the Casket:

This ritual involves walking around the casket in a clockwise direction as a symbolic act of honoring the deceased and expressing devotion. It signifies the cyclical nature of life and death. 

Cremation or Burial:  

The choice between cremation and burial is influenced by cultural and individual preferences. In Singapore, cremation is more common due to space constraints. The ashes are then often placed in a columbarium or scattered at sea.

Chanting of Sutras: Monks chant Buddhist scriptures, known as sutras, during the funeral. The vibrations from these chants are believed to have a positive impact on the departed soul’s journey.

Plan A Respectable Buddhist Funeral In Singapore

At Simplicity Casket, we offer a wide range of affordable funeral services and funeral packages for families to ensure they give their loved one a heartfelt and dignified farewell.

Our funeral directors have the experience to help you to choose the right casket from our wide range of selections for an affordable, respectable and dignified burial.

In addition, we can help prepare, arrange and conduct funeral wakes and handle every aspect of the funeral as well – from tentage and embalming to hearse and transportation as well as parlour hall bookings.

Do not hesitate to get in touch with us or call us at +65 6456 7423. We are open 7 days a week and 24 hours a day.