Buddhist Funeral in Singapore:
Customs, Rites & Traditions

What is a Buddhist funeral?

A Buddhist funeral is a spiritual ceremony to honour the deceased and guide their soul toward a peaceful afterlife, promoting positive rebirth through chanting, prayers, and offerings. 

While it is typically held for those who followed the Buddhist faith, non-Buddhists may also choose a Buddhist funeral for their loved ones. Funeral directors play a key role in guiding families through the process, ensuring respectful and meaningful decisions for the deceased’s final rites.

Buddhist beliefs about death

In Buddhism, death is not seen as an end, but as part of a never-ending cycle called saṃsāra, which is the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Buddhists believe that after death, the soul is reborn in a new form, influenced by the actions (karma) from previous lives. 

The ultimate goal is to break free from this cycle and achieve nirvāṇa, a state of peace and freedom from suffering. Death is viewed as a natural transition, and ceremonies help guide the deceased toward a better rebirth.

Saṃsāra and the six realms

In Buddhism, saṃsāra is the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. After death, a Buddhist’s next life is determined by their karma, or actions, during their lifetime. The soul is reborn into one of six realms:

1. Gods (Deva) – Beings who experience pleasure but lack wisdom, preventing their liberation.
2. Humans (Manusya) – The only realm where one can achieve enlightenment and escape saṃsāra.
3. Demi-gods (Asura) – Powerful yet envious and consumed by anger.
4. Animals (Tiryāg-yonī) – Ignorant and focused on survival, with little awareness of spiritual growth.
5. Hungry ghosts (Preta) – Beings driven by insatiable desires, suffering from constant craving.
6. Hell beings (Naraka) – Those who face torment due to their negative karma, with a chance for rebirth once their suffering ends.

The ultimate goal is to break free from these realms and attain nirvāṇa, the liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

How does Buddhism differ from other religions?

Buddhism differs from many other religions in several key ways. First, it is non-theistic, meaning it doesn’t worship a god or gods. Instead, it focuses on the individual’s journey to enlightenment through practices like meditation, mindfulness, and ethical living. 

While many religions focus on an afterlife, Buddhism teaches that death is part of a continuous cycle of rebirth (saṃsāra), and the goal is to break free from it and achieve nirvāṇa, a state of peace. Additionally, Buddhism emphasises personal responsibility for one’s actions (karma) rather than relying on divine intervention.

What is the typical Buddhist funeral process?

Buddhist funeral rites are designed to guide the deceased’s soul through the process of rebirth, ensuring a peaceful transition into the next life. After death, the body is carefully prepared: it is cleansed, dressed in fresh clothes, and brought to the wake venue. 

Funeral services are typically held over an odd number of days—usually three, five, or seven—depending on family preferences. During this time, family and friends can visit to offer their respects.

The ceremonies include chanting, prayers, and offerings led by monks or spiritual leaders, all aimed at accumulating merit for the deceased. Buddhist prayers and blessings are often conducted on specific days during the wake, such as the first, third, fifth, and seventh days. These rituals help accumulate good karma for the deceased, guiding them towards a favourable rebirth or closer to enlightenment.

A final round of prayers is held before the deceased is cremated. Family members actively participate in the rituals, while guests may join in with the provided scripture booklets. 

Those who choose not to participate in the prayers are expected to remain silent, observing the proceedings with respect.

The funeral director or officiant will guide the attendees on when to sit or stand during the rituals. Throughout the ceremony, humility, respect, and mindfulness are essential.

Buddhists and cremation

In Buddhism, cremation is commonly practised as it reflects the belief in the impermanence of life. The body is considered a temporary vessel, and cremation helps release the soul for its next stage of rebirth.

Many Buddhists also support organ donation after death, seeing it as a compassionate and selfless act that benefits others, which aligns with their values of generosity and kindness.

Both practices—cremation and organ donation—are seen as ways to accumulate merit and contribute to the well-being of others.

Buddhist funeral etiquette

Buddhist funeral etiquette focuses on showing respect and humility throughout the ceremony. Guests should dress modestly in subdued colours, typically black or white, and remain quiet during the proceedings. When paying respects, it is customary to bow or offer a prayer. Visitors should follow the cues of the officiant or funeral director on when to sit, stand, or participate.

In addition, it’s recommended to inform the family before visiting the wake. Sympathy cards, floral wreaths or condolence money are thoughtful gestures. Visitors may approach the altar, offer prayers, light joss sticks, or bow as a sign of respect.

Buddhist mourning period

In Buddhism, the mourning period is a time for family and friends to reflect on life’s impermanence and support the deceased’s journey through rebirth. It typically lasts 49 days, with rituals held on the 3rd, 7th, 49th, and sometimes the 100th day. 

During this time, the family may also hold a reception after the funeral for mourners to continue offering respects. These services and ceremonies are intended to help guide the deceased’s soul and accumulate merit while providing space for the living to practise compassion and mindfulness.

The role of a funeral director in Buddhist funerals

The funeral director plays a key role in ensuring that every aspect of a Buddhist funeral is handled with care and respect. From helping with funeral arrangements to guiding family members through customs, they ensure that rituals are carried out properly and with dignity. 

If you’re looking for compassionate and comprehensive Buddhist funeral services, our Buddhist Funeral Packages are designed to support you during this difficult time, offering peace of mind and respect for your loved one’s traditions.