With over 1.07 million individuals identifying as Buddhists, Buddhism is the most represented religion in Singapore. As such, Buddhist funerals are frequent occurrences and many of us may have encountered one. However, those who are unfamiliar with Buddhist funeral services might be wondering more about the traditional funeral rituals and customs involved. If you are planning or attending a Buddhist funeral in Singapore, here are three essential elements to acquaint yourself with, ensuring proper respect and honour for the departed.
Altar Decorations
In Buddhist funerals, the altar holds profound significance, serving as a focal point for reverence and remembrance. Decorated with care and symbolism, the altar embodies the essence of honouring the departed and seeking spiritual solace. Central to this arrangement is the inclusion of an image or photograph of the deceased, alongside an image or statue of Buddha. This juxtaposition represents the journey of the departed souls towards enlightenment, while also signifying the interconnectedness of existence.
Flowers, candles and incense further adorn the altar, each carrying its own meaning — flowers indicate the impermanence of life, candles illuminate the path to enlightenment and incense purifies the area and conveys the continuity of existence beyond death. Together, these elements create a serene and sacred space for both reflection and commemoration.
Deciding on the right photograph is key in the funeral pre-planning process so that the funeral director can assist with any necessary editing as part of their services.
Learn more: 3 Misconceptions About Funeral Pre-Planning
Chanting of Sutras
A sutra refers to a sacred scripture of text containing the teachings of Buddha. These texts act as foundational sources of guidance and wisdom for practitioners, offering insights into the nature of reality, the path to enlightenment and ethical conduct. During Buddhist funerals, the chanting of sutras not only honours the deceased but also serves as a spiritual practice aimed at invoking blessings, ensuring peace for the departed soul and providing solace for the bereaved. The rhythmic recitation often led by monks or senior practitioners, creates a meditative atmosphere, allowing mourners to focus their minds and heart on the teachings of Buddha. It is also believed to have the power to purify negative karma, alleviate suffering and guide the deceased towards a favourable rebirth.
Cloth Offering
A deeply symbolic gesture rooted in tradition and respect in Buddhist funeral ceremonies, presenting a piece of cloth to a monk serves as an act of merit-making and support for their spiritual practice. Additionally, it reflects the Buddhist principle of generosity (dana), highlighting the importance of selflessness and compassionate action in relieving suffering and fostering spiritual growth. The cloth represents protection, warmth and comfort, embodying the desire to offer assistance and blessings to the departed soul as it journeys through the transitional state between death and rebirth. By participating in this ritual, mourners express their gratitude for the guidance and teachings of the monk and their reverence for the Buddhist path.
Having a better understanding of key funeral rites and rituals allows us to navigate the grieving process respectfully, provide meaningful support to the bereaved and honour the deceased according to cultural and religious customs. We hope that the insights shared will come in useful when planning and attending a Buddhist funeral in Singapore.
With a comprehensive range of funeral services in Singapore including Buddhist funerals, Taoist funerals and more, our team at Confidence Funeral Services takes pride in delivering a proper final sendoff, overseeing all funeral proceedings from start to end.