Buddhist Funeral Traditions

Buddhist Funeral Traditions

Buddhists believe death is a natural part of the life cycle. They believe that death simply leads to rebirth. This belief in reincarnation – that a person’s spirit remains close by and seeks out a new body and new life – is a comforting and important principle. For Buddhists death is not the end of life, so it is not something to be feared. Where and how a person is reborn depends on their good and bad actions in past lives.

For those left behind, death is a powerful reminder of Buddha's teachings. Every Buddhist must be prepared for death, because it can happen at any time. Because of this, it is important to make every moment count. Human birth is precious, and life has great value.

When death is near, Buddhists are taught to think about their holy writings. Giving one's final thoughts to Buddha and his teachings brings good luck to a new existence.


The general protocol for Buddhist funerals is a simple ceremony that takes place in one of our chapels, in a Buddhist temple, or in some instances, within the family home. Usually, a monk will be the officiant but sometimes it will be a minister or a priest.


There aren’t any formal guidelines, but you can expect prayer and meditation. There sometimes will be a wake in which mourners can pay their respects to the deceased and express their condolences to the family. There will be incense burning, flowers and fruit, candles, and a portrait of the deceased person in front of the casket. Buddhist tradition says that an image of Buddha should be placed near the altar, as well.


Buddhists typically favor cremation because they believe it is an important way to release the soul from the physical form. But burial with embalming is allowed, too. Buddhism also allows the donation of organs and autopsies.


White flowers can be sent to the family before the service. Red should be avoided and never sent. Sending gifts of food is acceptable but no red. Donations to charities are also acceptable. 

If you attend a Buddhist funeral, you should respect the somber occasion by being very quiet. 

Common Questions About Buddhist Funeral

  • What to expect at a Buddhist Funeral

    When you arrive at the funeral or wake, you should quietly proceed to the alter. Buddhist funeral etiquette calls for mourners to take a slight bow with their hands folded in front of them in a prayer position. You may then stay for a while or leave, according to your personal preference. Visitors often make a financial donation to the family. You will then find a seat and wait for the service to start. Follow other’s behavior as far as sitting and stand goes. If they stand, mourners should stand too.  The service usually consists of sermons, chanting and eulogies delivered by monks or other Buddhists that knew the deceased. There may be meditation. Mourners should join in the chanting or sit quietly if they are unable to.  Head coverings should be removed during prayer.  If the body is to be buried, monks may lead chanting at the gravesite. If no monks are present, family members may lead chanting then the casket should be placed in the grave. Friends may visit the deceased’s family home after the funeral, but not before. 

  • What to wear to a Buddhist Funeral

    The family typically wears white to a Buddhist funeral, while friends may wear black. Bright colors are never appropriate, and neither is a display of wealth in the choice of clothing.

A Glimpse Into the Buddhist Funeral Rituals and Customs

Buddhism, like Hinduism and Jainism, strongly believe in reincarnation. Therefore, many of their funeral rituals and customs are rooted in this concept. Here’s a glimpse of some of the key rituals that Buddhists follow upon the death of their loved ones.

  • Cleansing and Dressing of the Deceased 

    Buddhists believe that the soul of the deceased doesn’t leave the body right away. And so, upon the death of a person, Buddhists generally don’t touch, move, or disturb the body in any way for about 3-4 hours. The body is then cleansed, dressed in plain everyday clothing, and is kept cold. 

  • Chanting and Prayers

    The funeral service for the deceased is usually officiated by Buddhist monks, who begin by ringing a gong or a bell to signify the start of the service. The monks usually start with a sermon and may also chant prayers; incense sticks are also burnt during this time. Other funeral rituals and customs may include offering a cloth to the officiating monks on behalf of the deceased as a thank you for officiating the funeral service. Additionally, family members during this time may walk around with sticks, which symbolizes the need for support during this time of grief. 

  • Open Casket Viewing

    A Buddhist funeral process generally tends to have a viewing, if they do, it is almost always with an open casket. Along with the open casket, family members usually set up an altar with a picture of the deceased and an image of Buddha.  Once the funeral service is over, the casket is sealed shut and is carried to the hearse by the family members. As the casket is carried to the hearse, the mourners generally tend to form a funeral procession. 

  • Cremation

    As Buddhists believe in reincarnation, the human body bears very little significance and is simply viewed as a vessel that contains the soul. Therefore, followers of Buddhism often prefer to cremate their deceased.

Things to Keep in Mind When Attending A Buddhist Funeral

When you’re attending a Buddhist funeral, it is important to ensure that you follow proper etiquette. Here’s a quick look at a few key things that you should bear in mind while attending one.

  • Duration of the Funeral Service

    There’s no hard and fast rule as to how long the funeral should last. That said, most Buddhist funerals can be anywhere from 45 minutes to 75 minutes.

  • Appropriate Attire

    Since Buddhism is a strong advocate of simplicity, attire that may seem luxurious is better avoided seeing as it is looked down upon. It is not uncommon for the family members of the deceased to wear white with either an armband or a headband. However, depending on their region and culture, they may also choose to wear other colors as well. If you’re planning on attending a Buddhist funeral process, it is best to refrain from wearing bright colors as they symbolize happiness. Simple and plain clothing that features understated colors is ideal.

  • Funeral Etiquette

    Unlike western funerals, where the attendees first take a seat, Buddhists expect mourners to visit the altar first to pay respect to the deceased. When paying respects, it is customary for mourners to have their hands folded in prayer and to bow in front of the altar. Family members usually don’t expect the attendees to take part in chanting or prayers. So, if you’re unfamiliar with the prayers or songs being sung, you may choose to stay silent.

  • Flowers & Gifts

    It is acceptable for mourners and attendees of Buddhist funeral processes to bring small gifts such as a candle, fruit, or an incense stick. You can also bring flowers to the funeral. However, keep in mind that bright colors represent happiness. Therefore, it is advisable to stick to white flowers instead of red.

  • Buddhists Have Long Mourning Periods

    Buddhist families that have lost a loved one often have multiple funeral services in addition to the one they conduct right after death. These services are usually held on the 3rd day, 7th day, 49th day, and 100th day after the death of the individual. If you’re close with the bereaved family, you may choose to take part in these services as a sign of respect for the deceased and to show your support to the family.