Funeral Services

To spread the Dharma to all sentient beings, the Sangha and Chanting group of Yun Yang Temple provides Buddhist Ceremonies and Funeral Rites for the deceased. We are well experienced and have conducted funeral services for Le Pine, Tobin Brothers and John Allison. Furthermore, our team of MCs are able to conduct the ceremonies in English, Chinese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Hakka and Hokkien.

These services are for the sole purpose of expressing gratitude to our ancestors for all they had done for us. Chanting for the deceased and making offerings at appropriate dharma ceremonies are the easiest ways to benefit the deceased.

It is stated in the Earth Sutra that when a person passes on and before he/she is reborn, family members may assist the spirit during the transitional phase of 49 days. Any offerings of chanting, vegetarian meals will benefit both the spirit of the dead and merit of the alive.

It is also stated that those who make these offerings will benefit much in terms of merits. In addition, family members are reminded that on the day of passing on they should refrain from offering meat of any kind as killing this will result in bad karma being committed, a deed not only does little good but will only lead to negative outcomes.

An extract from “Buddhist Care for the Dying” (Proudly Sponsored by Yun Yang Temple)

The Role of the Monk or Nun

In both Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism the Buddhist monk performs the pastoral role for the lay Buddhist community. The Buddhist ‘monk’ or ‘nun’ lies somewhere between the common notions of monk and priest in Christianity. His or her time of intensive training in the monastery equips him well to give guidance and support whenever called upon to do so. In times of difficulty such as sickness, dying and death, the person or the relatives would often seek out the valued help of a Buddhist monk or nun of their own tradition; It would be the monk who gives confidence at the bedside; it would be the monk who advises on the necessary rites for the funeral; it would be the monk who officiates at the funeral and it would be the monk who strengthens the bereaved with kind counsel.

During the Dying Process

When a person knows they are going to die, is there any particular method for preperation that will help them?

1. Introduce the Western Pure Land to the sick person
2. Let the sick person be calm and strong to face death
3. Help the sick person recite ‘Na Mo Oh Mi To Fo’ (Amitabha Buddha’s name).

What are good things to do around or for a dying person?

1. Invite a Buddhist monk or nun to give Dharma talks on the meaning of life.
2. Invite family and friends together to peacefully recite ‘Na Mo Oh Mi To Fo’ around the dying person.
3. Try to eat vegetarian meals and do good deeds on behalf of the dying person.

Cremation or Burial

What is the most beneficial thing to do for a person after they have died?

It is important to make some donations to monks and charities in the name of the deceased. The death ritual should be performed (Pansakula). The transference of merit ceremony (Punyannmodana) should be performed after seven days, then after three months, and then annually.

For more information, please contact us on 03 9796 8079 at your convenience.