Buddhist Funerals : Guidance from Perry & Phillips Bridgnorth

It is estimated that there are up to 570 different varieties of Buddhism. There are few formal traditions relating to funerals and they are essentially seen as non-religious events.

The simple approach and emphasis on the person's state of mind leading up to death have led to a marked increase and interest in Buddhist funerals in the West.

Most Buddhist schools of thought concentrate on the spirit or mind of the deceased and agree that the physical body is just a shell. Many also share the Tibetan belief that the spirit of the deceased will undergo rebirth, usually after a period of 49 days.

Cremation is the generally accepted practice in Asia - the Buddha himself was cremated.

A simple service may be held at the crematorium chapel at which Buddhist readings may be recited.