For a variety of reasons, unlike other significant events in our lives, a funeral ceremony is typically an unplanned major event. We never know when, where, or how we will die, so planning for what we want to happen when we die makes life easier for those left behind. Talking about our desires does not speed up the passage of time.
Planning and participating in formal funeral service is frequently regarded as a significant cultural and religious rite of passage. It is seen as a significant turning point in our development as adults since it represents the point in our life when we must confront and deal with the reality of mortality. It also enables us to carry out our cultural and religious obligations, not just to the deceased but also to our family and community.
Buddhism in Singapore is followed by a vast majority which is approximately 33.3% of the total population. Singapore being a diverse land unites people of several religions, lingual groups, ethnic communities, and races together. With no surprise, every religion is diversified in its way. For instance, there is huge diversification among Buddhist sects having the same core belief of reincarnation.
Even though Buddha is reported to have requested that no leader be appointed to lead anything like a school after his death, this request was ignored and his followers appear to have soon dispersed into different sects. Buddhists are divided based on rules, regulations, and a hierarchy.
Although Buddhist followers are divided into various groups and sects, their funeral rites may differ in some areas but the core belief of rebirth and reincarnation remains the same.
The major sects or schools of thoughts we can witness in Singapore are;
- Theravada
- Mahayana
- Vajrayana
Theravada Buddhists Funeral Rites: Theravada Buddhism claims to be the oldest school of Buddhism and to uphold Buddha’s original teachings and vision.
Theravada Buddhists wrap the dead in white (to indicate righteousness) and lay them out for a vigil, usually at home, during which monks chant and offer blessings. Visitors pour a cup of water over the dead person’s extended hand into a basin of water in which blooms float, as a ritual for requesting forgiveness for any offenses committed against him/her during their life. After that, the deceased is placed in a sealed coffin and transported to the cremation site, where monks will chant once more. The coffin is knocked by some member before chanting begins, reminding the deceased to pay attention to Buddha’s teachings. A little folded monastery gown may be placed on the coffin as support for the deceased person to continue on their successful transition, and then that robe material is donated to the monks before the cremation. The coffin is opened just before it is set to fire or cremated, guests get one last look, a coconut is broken and its water is poured over the corpse as a final act of purification.
Vajrayana Buddhists Funeral Rites: Vajrayana, or the Diamond School, is a Tibetan Buddhist school that emphasizes the continuity of the Buddha’s teachings as represented by the Vajra (thunderbolt), a ceremonial tool used for ceremonies, including Tantra (quick enlightenment practices), and concentrates mostly on lay followers. In Tibet and Tibetan exile communities, relatives and clergy keep vigil for the deceased for four to nine days, during which a lama reads texts from the holy book.
The readings guide the deceased through the successful transition of the soul from one life to the other. The body is then washed and disposed of. Tibet is famous for its sky burials, in which a body is carried to a specific “burial” ground, usually a hillside, ritually dismembered, and then offered to birds of prey. After the flesh is removed from the body, the bones are broken by a sky burial specialist or a Monk and they mix with grain meal before being served to birds again. One reason for performing sky burials is that it symbolizes the last gift to earth and it shows the insignificance of one’s life. Tibetans also bury their dead, but this is usually only done during the winter months for incarnate lamas or commoners. it is believed in Tibetan culture that after 49 days, rebirth takes place.
Mahayana Buddhist’s funeral rites: Mahayana’s primary language is Sanskrit, and its monk and lay adherents seek the liberation of all sentient beings, with compassion and insight (knowledge) as essential doctrines. When a person dies, according to the Mahayana School of Philosophy, the body is cremated and an address of a Monk is delivered around the body. This act is interpreted as delivering instructions to the deceased for the soul’s enlightenment as well as for a good reincarnation. After a few days, the funeral is frequently held to allow for the initial step of rebirth.
Buddhist Funeral Package varies according to the school of thought, however, we assure you to provide reasonable and economical funeral packages. Our Buddhist funeral package includes;
Singapore Funeral Service Company offers cheap Buddhist Funeral Packages that encompass all of the fundamental and general demands of the Buddhist community, starting from $ 4800 for a three-day funeral to a standard of $ 6300 for a five-day funeral ceremony. We provide the best services in Singapore, ensuring a premium setup such as table cloths and seat covers that will provide positive energy to the ambiance. Furthermore, there are no additional or hidden fees.
Furthermore, our Buddhist funeral packages involve;
Body collection and transportation: Buddhist Funeral Service collects bodies from hospitals and transports them to temples or cremation centers professionally and comfortably.
Casket: Before being placed in a casket, it is thought that the deceased body should be well-dressed and cleaned. Funeral Service Singapore offers services in this area, as well as a highly-polished premium quality casket with half view glass (available in three colors). The viewing could be held in a church, a funeral chapel, or even at the family’s house. The decision of a family member might determine whether a casket is open or closed.
At the wake: Because Buddhist funeral services include a shrine containing the deceased person’s photo and an image of the Buddha, as well as candles, flowers, and fragrance, Singapore Funeral Services Company provides the following stuff;
- I enlarged photo ( 10 x 12) and 6 passport sized photos
- A floral frame ( 11 x 13)
- Fresh flowers arrangement
- Donation collection safe box and record book
- Carpeted Flooring, Curtains and Tentage (for family and friends gathering)
- Buddhist-style backdrop (Premium Modern LED). In White / Yellow Themes
- 15 square tables
- 10 round tables
- One Hundred (100) plastic chairs.
- Ivory Table Cloths & Seat Covers
- 2 x Air Cooler/ Heaters
- Buddhist Sutra Blanket.
- Ceremonial Items: Joss Sticks, Lotus Candles, Incense Coil, Premium Lotus Blanket, Incense Pot, etc.
- LED Street Lamp, Straw Mats, etc.
- Pearl Set to be placed on deceased lips.
- White Polo Shirts are provided as well at No Extra Charge regardless of quantity.
- Mandai Cremation Fees.
- 50 Seater Air-conditioned buses (2-way).
- Cleansing Flower Water on Funeral Day.
- Readily Folded Small Towel Gift Sets with coins.
- Glass Hearse Transport on Funeral Day.
- Post Funeral Customary Advice for 49 Days etc.
- Complimentary on-site WIFI, subject to availability on a first-come-first-served basis.
- QR Code Contact Tracing and Safe Distancing measures.
- Ash Collection Service
Buddhist Monk Chant: A monk leads the prayers and meditations at the Buddhist funeral. If there aren’t any monks available, individual monks are provided by Buddhist Funeral Services to lead chants on the day of the funeral and thereafter. Food will be provided by us for each chanting session.
Lighting: We’ll make sure the Void Deck’s lighting is set up properly all around.
In Buddhists Funeral Services, a single mobile toilet will cost $80 for the day, while a single chiller would cost $50 for the day.
Pricing: Rates for Buddhists Funeral Services may vary depending on the number of days you have reserved. The rates are listed below for our client’s convenience, with the assurance that no hidden or extra charges will be charged;
| 3-Days | SIMPLE BUDDHIST FUNERAL PACKAGE | $4800 |
| 3-Days | STANDARD BUDDHIST FUNERAL PACKAGE | $5300 |
| 5-Days | STANDARD BUDDHIST FUNERAL PACKAGE | $6300 |
Buddhist Funeral Package on Non-Inclusive Items
- On a consignment basis, food catering, drinks, and miscellaneous consumables such as peanuts, melon seeds, and so forth are billed individually.
- Separately sold items include Incense Papers, Paper House Offerings, and so forth. Instead of overspending on unnecessary products, you will only be asked to pay for what you use.
- Post-funeral monk chanting sessions, such as ashes placed at the columbarium, 7th/49th days’ prayer session, and so on, are not included in the funeral package. Families should inquire about the cost of the chanting session with our funeral director.
