Japanese Buddhist Death Rituals Flashcards
- Jodo Shinshu-Nishi (West) Hongwanji and Higashi (East) Hongahji
- Jodo Shu
- Shingon Shu
- Soto Shu
- Nichiren Shu
5 Major Sects of Buddhism in Japan
Many Japanese buddhists are predominantly of this sect, beloning to either Nishi Hongwanji or the Higashi Honganji.
- Set the standard for the death ritual, all other sects adhere quite closely.
Jodo Shinshu Sect
- The world is an imperfect place full of suffering and sorrow.
- Only way to end the suffering is to be released from all physical constraints and become enlightened.
- Pay homage to Buddha
- Believe that the soul joins and becomes Buddha in Nirvhana, the Pure Land
- Everyone will become enlightened when they die, and exist forever in Eternal Bliss.
Beliefs
A mortal being who became enlightened while still on this earth.
Buddha
There are no sacraments or prayers given to someone who is dying.
Before Death
- May or may not be notified depending on the wishes of the family.
- Makura-Gyo
Notification of the Minister
- Performed by the minister before the body is moved from the place of death (Traidtionally)
- Due to distance and danger of driving late at night- usually held at the mortuary immediately before the funeral arrangements are made, regardless of whether the body has been embalmed.
- Began in feudal Japan 300 years ago by the shogunate as a means of census keeping
- Still observed today as part of the death rite
Makura-Gyo (Bedside Prayer)
- Usually no restriction once the mortuary is notified
- In the event that the family does have the makura-gyo with the blessing of both the minister and the coronor’s office, the body must remain untouched until after the prayer is completed.
Removal of the Remains
- No specific guidelines for laymen
- Ministers and prominent members are to be dressed in their vestments indicative of their position in the church.
Dressing and Casketing the Remains
- All require flowers and Japanese confectionary to be placed at the altar for the funeral
- Exact nature depends on the Minister
- Visitations are usually scheduled before the funeral whenever the mortuary can accomodate the family.
- The minister need not be present for the visitation.
Pre-Service Considerations
- No restrictions as to the time and place of the funeral service, but is traidtionally held at night so that relatives and friends do not have to take off from work.
- Casket is placed parallel to the altar and remains open for the entire service, unless specified by the family.
- The decision to open the casket is not left entirely up to the wishes of the family.
The Funeral Service
- Tolling of the temple bell
- Procession
- Chanting of sutras before the casket by the officiant
- Presentation of Buddhist Name
- Offering of Inscense
- Gatha
- Opening remarks by the Chairman
- Eulogy
- Sermon
- Gatha
- Condolence Message
- Words of Appreciation
- Recessional
Order of Service
- Minister (s)
- Casketbearers
- Funeral director
- Casket (Head end first)
- Funeral director
Procession
A posthumous name is conferred upon the deceased by the minister, signifying that he has begun his new existence in the Nirvhana.
Presentation of the Buddhist Name
Before the altar will be several inscense burners with bowls of ground-up inscense alongside, always followed by a quick recitation of a verse. The order of offering begins with the immediate family, followed by other relatives, casketbearers and finally, the congregation.
- Most significant expression in the buddhist religion.
- Represents the spiritual cleansing of the soul and the transference of one’s mortality to Nirvhana
Offering of Inscense
