A Guide to a Proper
Buddhist Funeral
BO
S
B
e DHANET ' UD
O K LIB R A R
Y
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Buddha Dharma Education Association Inc.
K B M B (M B C- S B) , J /, S P, P J, S. T/F: -
P One of the Þrst things the Koperasi Buddhisme Malaysia Berhad did when it was registered was to conduct a survey on the services that the Buddhist community felt were lacking. Many suggestions were made, but top of the list was the need for a Proper Buddhist Funeral Service. The Buddhist community in Malaysia is comprised mainly of ethnic Chinese. Though Buddhism is not alien to the Chinese, the practice as it is practised in Malaysia is somewhat of a mixture of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. Through the practise of this tri-ism, it is not surprising to Þnd that for one who is born a ‘Buddhist’ and brought up a ‘Buddhist’ to Þnally meet his end as a Taoist. But why is this so? Firstly, since Buddhism is a way of life, its concern is more with moral conduct and the quest for enlightenment. The only mention of regulated rite and ritual is in the Vinaya and that, too, is solely for the discipline of its monks. Secondly, Buddhism teaches that upon death what is left is only matter and how the remains are treated is normally of no direct consequence to the well being of the departed. This, however, does not mean that we can act disrespectfully towards the bodily remains of those who had showered their love on us. As an act of gratitude iii
we should perform meaningful rites such as carrying out meritorious deeds in their memory. Though th