A Buddhist funeral is not only a ceremony but a spiritual send-off. The rites are centred on gaining merit for the deceased — through the chanting of sutras, offerings, and acts of generosity — to ease their journey toward rebirth in a favourable realm, or the Pure Land (极乐净土).
The chanting of sutras
Venerable monks recite sacred scriptures, most commonly the Amitabha Sutra (阿弥陀经), believed to guide the deceased toward liberation. Our standard chanting typically includes:
- One session upon the arrival of the casket (the encoffin ceremony)
- Three sessions on the final night of the wake
- One session before the departure for the cremation or burial
The encoffin ceremony
Once the body has been cared for and dressed, the encoffin prayer is performed with monks leading the ceremony. The deceased is placed into the casket together with religious items such as incense and Buddhist scriptures, which symbolise the journey ahead.
The transfer of merits
The merit generated from the chanting, offerings and prayers is dedicated to the deceased. Family members are encouraged to take part — by observing vegetarian offerings, making prayers, and performing acts of generosity — all of which are believed to benefit their loved one.
Our funeral directors coordinate with monks from local temples and prepare every ceremonial item, so the rites are carried out correctly and you can simply be present. Customs vary by dialect and family tradition, and we adapt the service accordingly — see our guide on what to expect at the wake.
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