Death and Mourning

Question 1

What are Buddhists reminded of during a funeral service?

Answer 1

The Three Lakshanas

• Dukkha
• Anicca
• Anatta

Question 2

Who leads the service?

Answer 2

It can be led by a Bhikku. Bhikkuni, or a lay person

Question 3

What is a typical funeral service?

Answer 3

There isn’t one as there is so much variation between traditions and cultures.

Question 4

Within Theravadan communities what ceremonies could take place?

Answer 4

• The person who is dying, their family, and bhikkus recite or chant passages from the sacred text to create Punna (good) Kamma to bring about a fortunate rebirth.
• After death the Bhikkus recite the Pancha Sila and all may join in chanting verses known as the ‘Annica vata cinkhara’
• In some Theravadan communities one ritual is for the family to give Dana of Cloth (for robes) and food for the Bhikkus.
• Another is for the family to gather around the deceased and pout water into a cup so that it overflows.
• Depending on the community the body may remain at home for 3 days, sometime surrounded by candles or incense. An atmosphere of quiet and peace would be encouraged.

Question 5

Is a Buddhist burial/funeral a time for grief and sorrow?

Answer 5

NO

-Tirokudda Sutra says ‘No weeping, no sorrowing, no other lamentation benefits the dead.’

Question 6

How long is the interval between death and rebirth?

Answer 6

49 days- this is known as ANTARABHARVA

Question 7

What does the Bardo Thodol mean and describe?

Answer 7

Bardo Thodol means ‘in between becoming’ ‘ liberation’.

• It is a sacred text used in Tibetan Buddhism
• It is known in english as the Book of the Dead

Question 8

What are the 3 Bardos?

Answer 8

1) After the moment of death the first bardo is when the person sees a brilliant light. This is the light of Nirvana and if welcomed frees them from the wheel of existence and they will no longer be reborn. Most people are terrified of it so turn away and it fades. The person then realises that they are dead and the second bardo begins.
2) The person sees their past life and their actions and are again presented by this great light, which is the light of the God realm into which they could be reborn if they have sufficient Punna kamma. However most people are again scared of this light and turn away from it. At this point the 3rd Bardo begins
3) This is when the person is now destined to be reborn. At this stage it is a persons Kamma which determines their rebirth. With sufficient Punna Kamma they will find a womb in which their human status will be higher than before. Insufficient Kamma may mean that they are reborn in a lesser realm.

Question 9

Why is it important to study the Bardo Thodol during life?

Answer 9

• You are then prepared for what happens at death.
• In all 3 Bardos there are Bodhisattvas that can be called on to help and show Karuna. There are also demons which are illusions created by a persons Pappa Kamma.

Question 10

What is a Tibetan Sky Burial?

Answer 10

1) A lama chants the Bardo Thodol to the deceased person as they are dying and after they are dead.
2) The body is washed, placed in the foetal position, and wrapped in white cloth. It may be taken to the nearest Vihara where the lamas continue chanting the Bardo Thodol.
3) The body is then taken to a field far away from the Vihara where the cloth is removed, the head is tied to a post and the body is cut open whilst the vultures and other carrion birds gather. They are then left to eat the body. Any remains left are crushed up and left for the crows to eat.