Mors 200 Arts Final - Japanese Buddhist Funeral Rites

1. Jodo Shinshu-Nishi (West) Hongwanji and Higashi (East) Hongahji

2. Jodo Shu

3. Shingon Shu

4. Soto Shu

5. Nichiren Shu

Many Japanese buddhists are predominantly of this sect, beloning to either Nishi Hongwanji or the Higashi Honganji.

• Set the standard for the death ritual, all other sects adhere quite closely.

• The world is an imperfect place full of suffering and sorrow.

• Only way to end the suffering is to be released from all physical constraints and become enlightened.

• Pay homage to Buddha

• Believe that the soul joins and becomes Buddha in Nirvhana, the Pure Land

• Everyone will become enlightened when they die, and exist forever in Eternal Bliss.

A mortal being who became enlightened while still on this earth.

There are no sacraments or prayers given to someone who is dying.

• May or may not be notified depending on the wishes of the family.

• Makura-Gyo

• Performed by the minister before the body is moved from the place of death (Traidtionally)

• Due to distance and danger of driving late at night- usually held at the mortuary immediately before the funeral arrangements are made, regardless of whether the body has been embalmed.

• Began in feudal Japan 300 years ago by the shogunate as a means of census keeping

• Still observed today as part of the death rite

• Usually no restriction once the mortuary is notified

• In the event that the family does have the makura-gyo with the blessing of both the minister and the coronor’s office, the body must remain untouched until after the prayer is completed.

• No specific guidelines for laymen

• Ministers and prominent members are to be dressed in their vestments indicative of their position in the church.

• All require flowers and Japanese confectionary to be placed at the altar for the funeral

• Exact nature depends on the Minister

• Visitations are usually scheduled before the funeral whenever the mortuary can accomodate the family.

• The minister need not be present for the visitation.

• No restrictions as to the time and place of the funeral service, but is traidtionally held at night so that relatives and friends do not have to take off from work.

• Casket is placed parallel to the altar and remains open for the entire service, unless specified by the family.

• The decision to open the casket is not left entirely up to the wishes of the family.

• Tolling of the temple bell

• Procession

• Chanting of sutras before the casket by the officiant

• Presentation of Buddhist Name

• Offering of Inscense

• Gatha

• Opening remarks by the Chairman

• Eulogy

• Sermon

• Gatha

• Condolence Message

• Words of Appreciation

• Recessional

• Minister (s)

• Casketbearers

• Funeral director

• Casket (Head end first)

• Funeral director

A posthumous name is conferred upon the deceased by the minister, signifying that he has begun his new existence in the Nirvhana.

Before the altar will be several inscense burners with bowls of ground-up inscense alongside, always followed by a quick recitation of a verse. The order of offering begins with the immediate family, followed by other relatives, casketbearers and finally, the congregation.

• Most significant expression in the buddhist religion.

• Represents the spiritual cleansing of the soul and the transference of one’s mortality to Nirvhana

1. First is the first two verses of a Buddhist hymn that will be sung.

2. Second is the last two verses of the hymn

Read to the family on behalf of the congregation.

A representative from the family will speak in response to the condolence message from the congregation. (This is usually a very brief expression of appreciation to the congregation for their presence at the service).

• Ministers

• Casketbearers

• Funeral director

• Casket (foot end first)

• Funeral director

• Family

• Congregation

• No restrictions or recommendations

• If burial- a graveside service will be held with the minister present

• If cremation- there will be a cremation service held either in the chapel of the crematory or in the chapel of the mortuary with the minister present.

• Family will return to the temple for a final service to provide a closure for the family.

• Held peridoically to ensure the deceased’s safe passage to Nirvhana

• Give survivors a chance to join each other in felowship and progress through the mourning period, therefore paying homage to and remember the deceased person.

• 7th day after death

• 49th day after death

• 1st year anniversary of death

• 3rd year anniversary of death

• 7th year anniversary of death

• 13th year anniversary of death

• 17th year anniversary of death

• 23rd year anniversary of death

• 25th year anniversary of death

• 50th year anniversary of death

• Every 50th year thereafter

Radical, new branch of neo-buddhism that does not follow the more traditional styles. There is no ordained minister, all services are under the supervision of leaders of each group.

• Set funeral ritual, but each leader will impose his own interpretation and whims upon his followers, making each group different.