Does anybody know anything about Buddhist death rituals?

Question

My uncle is a Japanese Buddhist, and he has cancer. It is a touchy subject, so I do not want to ask him; and I cannot find much information about it on the internet. So any information would be appreciated, thanks!

Answer 1

There is a book called "Bar do Thos grol - Tibetanian Book of Death", it describes the rituals and stages a dying (tibetian) Buddhist has to go through to be free at last and go into Nirvana.

It needs the help of family and friends to accomplish the stages.

The english Version is from Walter Yeeling Evans-Wentz

Answer 2

Here is the info about a Buddhist Society in the US: Amitabha Buddhist Society of US, Bernardo Ave. Sunnyvale, CA 94087. Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]. E-mail: [e-mail]

May be that your uncle does not belong to that school. Buddhists have innumerable schools. So, it will be good if you can open discussion with your uncle discretely about Buddhism in general and find out which school of Buddhism he belongs.

I know it for a fact that Buddha's body was cremated upon his attaining Mahaparinirvana (or death). So it should be no different for the other adherents of the Religion. Who knows, once you start talking to him, your uncle might himself suggest which way he wants to go. And, sure, you will have a lot to learn from him on Meditation and the like.

Answer 3

Death is a touchy subject for you, not him. If he knows he is dieing, he would be glad to share his wishes with you. Especially if he is a devout Buddhist.

If he doesn't want to talk about it, make him. He will thank you when you finish. Some people need a nudge to arrange what they know is coming.

Answer 4

Well I know that traditionally after you die a lot of times the body will be butchered and fed to carrion birds. You don't need the body anymore, why not give it away? If not then I think they are usually cremated. What I recomend is that you find the nearest monk you can and ask him about it. From what I know about Buddhism, they don't want to be a bother. So don't worry yourself too much about it.

Answer 5

There are a number of Japanese Buddhist sects. You'll have to ask him which one he belongs to.

Answer 6

Some buddhist (Tibeten I think) chop up their bodies and feed them to vultures. No, I'm not trying to be rude, gross, or mean... Thats what my husband said and he knows a little about these things.

Answer 7

there are helpful links here that you may use for starters. hope this helps

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2060.html

Answer 8

http://tanutech.com/japan/jfunerals.html

hope ur uncle never needs one though...

Answer 9

wow!! i don't but thats deep.