death and mourning

• Kammic Energy

  This leaves a Buddhists body on death and is reborn in a new one.
• Transfer the Merit

  Family and friends of a Buddhists donate to a worthy cause and transfer the merit (the kamma) to the deceased to help them have a favourable rebirth.
• Cremation


  The act of burning the dead.
• Tibetan Sky Burial

  Taken up into the mountains, given a ceremony and left for vultures to feed on. Remains are placed in a chorten.
• Chorten

  Tibetan Buddhist stupa where remains from a Tibetan Sky Burial are placed. Offerings are made every 7 days for 49 days.
• Pure Land Buddhist Burial

  Coffin is placed with head facing west in the direction of Sukhavati, chants of 'Namo Amida Butsu', relatives collect bone fragments from the ashes using chopsticks. Remains are kept for 49 days with prayers being said every 7 days.
• Sukhavati

  The paradise where Amitabha Buddha lives, and where Pure Land Buddhists aim to be reborn.
• Namo Amida Butsu

  "Namu" means "I take refuge", and "Amida Butsu" means "in Amida Buddha" the Amitabha Buddha.
• Amitabha

  Buddha of the Pure Land.
• Stupa


  Buddhist shrine that is shaped like a dome. The cremated remains of revered teachers are placed here and it becomes a site of worship.
• Yak-butter lamps

  Traditionally burn yak butter. Used to focus the mind in meditation and gain merit. Used as offerings to the deceased to transfer merit.
• Anicca


  Impermanence. This is contemplated by mourners.