Special Topics
How to Conduct Buddhist Services for Those Who Are Dying or Have Just Passed Away
To help people get through the helplessness and anxiety of death, Buddhists do end-of-life chanting for the dying to calm them, with the help of the slow and peaceful chanting of Amitabha Buddha's name. Dharma talks can be given to the dying at the proper time, to help them understand that life is impermanent so that they can let go of all attachments and face death peacefully. 1. Encourage terminally and gravely ill patients to let go of attachments to family members, relatives,...
How to Conduct the 49-Day Buddhist Service for the Deceased
Family members can cultivate virtuous merits for the deceased from the moment of his/her passing until the 49th day*, by practicing vegetarianism, upholding the Five Precepts, doing good deeds, making offerings to the Three Jewels, and helping the poor. They can also attend Dharma assemblies to transfer merits to the deceased, with the help of the group practice. By doing so, family members can not only cultivate compassion but also develop good affinity with numerous sentient beings. ...
The Principles for Conducting a Buddhist Funeral
To have a solemn, warm, and peaceful Buddhist funeral, it is important to keep it simple, using the guiding principles of cherishing one's blessings and cultivating good karma. A Buddhist funeral shows respect from family members and maintains the dignity of the deceased. It serves not only as a consolation for the family members and their relatives, but also as a chance to educate future generations. 1. From the Buddhist perspective, any day can be a suitable day to condu...
Procedures for the Buddhist Service for the Deceased
I. Dying at Home or in Hospitals II. End-of-Life Chanting by Family Members A. Dying at Home Prepare an audio file of Amitabha Buddha's name and a white blanket. Decide the venue for the end-of-life chanting. End-of-life chanting is most essential for the dead, so family members should give their blessings by chanting the Buddha's name and dedicate the merit to the deceased, thereby helping them to gain rebirth in the Buddha's Pure L...