Ch 2f: Buddhism

Question 1

What is Buddha’s full name?

Answer 1

Siddhartha Gautama Buddha

Question 2

Which Orient is this:

• Built on teachings of Buddha
• Human predicament *insatiable cravings yield misery
• Strive to be like him (happy and enlightened)
• Suffering is inherent in life, may be liberated by mental and moral purification

Answer 2

Buddhism

Question 3

Which Orient is this:

• Teachings of Confucius
• Related to path of virtues conduct, moral and ethical principles
• Teachings to be a good person

Answer 3

Confucianism

Question 4

Which Orient is this:

• Founded by Lao Tzu
• Teaching conformity to the TAO (way of life) by unassertive action and simplicity

Answer 4

Taoism

Question 5

During the removal, what does the family usually do?

Answer 5

On their hands and knees meditating

Question 6

What is Nirvana?

Answer 6

Heavenly peace or Pure Land
One’s ability to find freedom from causes of bondage
Can be found in heaven or Earth (but never found here except Buddha)

Question 7

What are the 3 branches of Buddhism?

Answer 7

National (born into it)
Immigration (married into it)
Conversion (convert into it)

Question 8

Who is the Bonze?

Answer 8

Buddhist priest
Head monk

Question 9

Who will notify the Bonze of the death?

Answer 9

Family probably will

Question 10

Are there any religious restrictions during the removal of the remains?

Answer 10

No
Monk may have a short prayer service though

Question 11

If traditional, what may be placed in the mouth of the decedent?

Answer 11

Coin and rice

Question 12

What is the official position on the preparation of the remains?

Answer 12

No official position
Embalming often chosen

Question 13

What are the dressing and casketing requirements?

Answer 13

None
Family chooses clothing and casket

Question 14

What symbolizes the decedent’s family role?

Answer 14

Headbands - the closer the relationship, the longer the headband
Color of flowers

Question 15

What are the 2 types of alters that are set up during the visit/wake?

Answer 15

Deceased Alter
Buddha Alter

Question 16

If funeral is at funeral home, what should we provide?

Answer 16

Covered table at food (for deceased) with cloth and runner
Covered table at head (for Buddha) with cloth and runner
Place in/on which to burn incense (take out battery of fire detectors)

Question 17

What is the traditional mourning period?

Answer 17

49 days

Question 18

What is used during the monk and family chant during the service?

Answer 18

A gong-like bell

Question 19

What is prepared to take to the grave or crematory after the service?

Answer 19

A meal

Question 20

What do pallbearers wear?

*Best to have in vehicle extras for in case need to provide

Answer 20

White gloves

Question 21

What may the funeral director need to provide for the Funeral Service?

Answer 21

Pillows

Question 22

If the deceased is cremated, who “ignites” the fire (aka press the start button)? And what does it signify?

Answer 22

The eldest son
To signify “man of the house”

Question 23

What happens if the deceased is buried?

Answer 23

Chanting and incense ritual

Question 24

What is a Book of Dates?

Answer 24

A calendar that’s used to determine an accurate time for casketing the body

Question 25

What is the Gatha?

Answer 25

The first 2 and last 2 verses of a Buddhist hymn sung at the Funeral Service

Question 26

What is the Makura-gyo?

Answer 26

A bedside prayer which may be performed by the bonze before funeral arrangements are made

Question 27

What is the Pagoda?

Answer 27

The Buddhist place of worship

Question 28

What is the Service of Encasketing?

Answer 28

A service performed as a part of casketing the body

Question 29

What are the Words of Appreciation?

Answer 29

Family representative (typically eldest son) speaks in response to condolence messages from the congregation

Question 30

How do we greet Buddhists?

Answer 30

Do not shake their hands
Bow to them (the straighter and lower the bow, the more you respect them)