buddhism funerals and kama

Question 1

Story of Kisa Gotami

Answer 1

-Birth and death cannot be avoided, and are part of the reality of existence for all living things
-However much people may be attached to life, death comes to all

Question 2

Buddhist funerals Theravada

Answer 2

• Links back to “transfer of merit”
• As the person dies, they are encouraged to read or chant suttas from the Dhamma
  -Last moments can impact rebirth- person needs to stay calm
  -Rebirth can be immediate
  -Small inexpensive funerals, money is donated to charity, funeral service meant to focus on impermanence of life
  (good kamma that is created by donating to a worthy cause is transferred to dead person, more favourable rebirth)

Question 3

Buddhist funerals Tibetan

Answer 3

-Read Bardo Thodol to help the consciousness of the deceased move through to next life
-Continues for 49 days
-Funeral for burning is scarce in Tibet
-Important lamas are cremated and their ashes placed in a stupa
-Most have sky burial
-Bodies are washed, wrapped, taken to hillside near monastery and fed to vultures
-Confront reality of death, impermanence of life and bring the deceased good kamma for feeding vulture.

Question 4

Buddhist funerals- Pure land

Answer 4

• Bodies are placed in the coffin with the head facing west
  -This is where the “pure land” is
  -Chant namo amida bu

Question 5

Kamma

Answer 5

-Kamma happens by your actions not for your actions

Question 6

How would believing in kamma influence Buddhists?

Answer 6

-Encourage Buddhists to be more positive, giving and helpful
-It would make a Buddhist very reflective, makes a Buddha think about every single one of their actions