Describe a traditional Buddhist funeral ceremony (4)

Buddhists see funerals as a transition from this life to the next, and that death is all part of samsara (the cycle of death and rebirth to which life is bound). In Theravada buddhism, the family gives cloth to the monks/nuns (bhikkus/bhikkunis) to make new robes, and they hold merit-making sessions for the deceased after 3 months and 1 year. In Mahayana buddhism (in Tibet), the deceased is surrounded by wreathes and as they die the name of the buddha is whispered to them. After 49 days of verse reading, a sky burial (where the corpse is cut up and fed to vultures for good kamma) may take place.

Related Religious Studies GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What do Christians believe about God?


Explain some of the key uses and significance of symbolism within the Church


'An omnibenevolent God would not send anyone to hell'. Evaluate this statement


How do you use 90mins to write 6 short essays? It is very difficult as i always run out of time.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences