In a Buddhist funeral in Singapore, we have always believed that death has always been a central concept. It is generally regarded as a meritorious deed to visit a sick neighbour or relation, but it seems to be a must when someone is considered to be close to death or even dead. It is customary to bring small presents or even money to support the family who might be under considerable financial strain to meet the costs of hospital treatments, medication, and eventually, funeral expenses.
However, these are not everything there is to a Buddhist funeral, a Buddhist’s funeral traditions can vary depending on the deceased’s ethnic and cultural origins.
The first Buddhist funeral I attended
I was not born a Buddhist. I was merely a teenager but I remember when the monks completed their chants and sermons, but the flurry of activity outside began even before the end of the chant. The undertaker, with the assistance of several other men, takes the floral ornament and other objects away from the coffin. As they do this, they stop to pay respects to the deceased. The coffin is already resting in the brightly coloured cremation structure, which, in turn, sits atop a carriage on wheels. The men unwind a long rope in front of the structure and attach it to the carriage. They then wheel a framed photograph of the deceased in front of the long cord. Finally, the undertaker takes a white banner with three tails that had been hanging conspicuously on a bamboo stick next to the coffin and clutches it over his shoulder. He places a white bag over his other shoulder and carries a coconut in his hand. He stands perhaps thirty yards away from the coffin and waits.
Once the monks and ourselves have had a chance to stand and stretch our legs, we quickly take their places in line behind the undertaker, who continues to hold the banner. Following the undertaker is a man pushing the contraption that holds the photograph of the deceased. Family members and close friends grab hold of the long rope attached to the carriage, and the monks take the white cotton cord into their hands. It is a bit different from a Taoist funeral in Singapore, additional funeral attendees follow along behind the carriage. Prerecorded funeral music soon plays from a pickup truck fitted with large speakers, and the procession begins to move slowly toward the cremation ground.
The mood is solemn as the procession goes along its way. The undertaker stays in the lead, still carrying the banner, bag, and coconut. The carriage with the cremation structure and coffin is moved entirely through the pulling of the rope. Special care is taken to ensure that the carriage stays on track and does not get tangled with anything in its path. Music continues to play. The music, banner, and cremation structure inform anyone watching that a funeral is passing by, and no one gets in its way.
After the procession reaches the cremation ground, the coffin and structure are set up with flowers and other accoutrements. A series of final rituals are performed, the cloth banner and the cloth bag are placed in the coffin, and the structure is set on fire, left to burn until only ashes remain. As attendees leave the cremation ground, they sprinkle themselves with floral-scented water, a way to cleanse themselves and ensure that no remnants of the dead remain with them as they return to their regular lives.
How it had impacted me
Growing up in an immigrant family here in Singapore, this is the first witnessing of how Buddhist funerals are simple and dignified ceremonies. It had a lasting effect on me, I mean if I die, this is how I want to be remembered, in a solemn way.
And as I have told my friends of different races and faith, now that I am getting older, whether they are attending the funeral of a Theravada Buddhist (or a Thai Buddhist), a Mahayana Buddhist, or a Vajrayana Buddhist with funeral flower arrangements for me. I want them to respect and remember me one last time in a Buddhist funeral. Buddhists believe that death is a part of a cycle known as Samsara. Buddhists believe that after death, we are reincarnated or reborn. Since Buddhists do not believe in salvation, the main focus of a funeral is to pay homage to the dead. The ceremonies also serve to ease the deceased as they transition into their next lives. And this is exactly how I want to rest. Believing in my faith, therefore making sure of this by setting an appointment as early as today.
If you are someone like me, who is keen on thinking ahead, visit the website of Hock Hin and they could definitely help you with your burial needs in the future.
