Buddhist Funeral Services in Singapore: A Guide to Rituals, Costs, and Offerings

Buddhist funeral services in Singapore are a vital part of paying respect to the deceased while ensuring their peaceful transition to the afterlife. Rooted in Buddhist traditions, these funerals incorporate various cultural and religious rites based on specific Buddhist teachings.

At Singapore Funeral Group, we provide comprehensive Buddhist funeral packages designed to honor the deceased, helping families navigate the often complex customs involved.

Understanding Buddhist Funeral Traditions

A traditional Buddhist funeral in Singapore is not just a ceremony but a spiritual journey for both the departed soul and the grieving family. The key elements of a Buddhist funeral revolve around gaining merit through the chanting of Buddhist scriptures, observing vegetarian fasting, and performing acts of generosity, all of which are believed to help the soul on its journey towards enlightenment or rebirth in a favorable realm.

Key Rituals in a Buddhist Funeral:

• Chanting of Sutras: Buddhist monks recite sacred scriptures such as the Amitabha Sutra (阿弥陀经), believed to guide the deceased toward liberation.
• Offering of Merits: The merits generated from the chanting, offerings, and prayers are transferred to the soul of the deceased to ease their journey to Nirvana.
• Vegetarian Offerings: Makeing vegetarian offerings during the funeral wake is a sign of respect, allowing family members to show compassion and reduce harm to sentient beings.

What We Provide at Singapore Funeral Group

At Singapore Funeral Group, we specialize in providing all the necessary services for a dignified and respectful Buddhist funeral. Our experienced team handles every detail, from preparing the venue to coordinating with monks and ensuring all rituals are carried out according to Buddhist customs.

Buddhist Funeral Setup

We arrange the funeral wake at either the void deck, memorial hall, or funeral parlour, depending on the family’s preference. The venue will be carefully decorated with Buddhist scriptures and religious symbols, and an offering table will be set up to pay homage to Buddha and the deceased.

Chanting and Monastic Services

Our funeral directors will coordinate with Buddhist monks from local temples to lead the prayer sessions and chanting rituals. The monks perform chanting ceremonies upon the arrival of the casket, throughout the wake, and on the final day, guiding the soul to the Pure Land (极乐净土).

Customizing the Funeral Service

We offer flexibility in personalizing Buddhist funeral services based on dialect groups and specific traditions. Whether you prefer a simple ceremony or a more elaborate service with cultural elements such as offering of meals before the deceased’s tablet or colored mourning badges, we ensure everything is carried out seamlessly.

Cost of a Buddhist Funeral Service in Singapore

We understand that cost is a concern for many families. Singapore Funeral Group offers affordable Buddhist funeral packages that cater to different needs:

• 3-day Buddhist Funeral Service: Starting from $6,088
• 5-day Buddhist Funeral Service: Starting from $6,588

Additional days can be arranged for a top-up of $250 per day, up to a maximum of 7 days.

• If the service is conducted at a funeral parlour, packages start from $4,588.

For a detailed breakdown of our Buddhist Funeral Packages, including additional services and upgrades, visit our pricing page.

Preparation of the Deceased’s Body

Our professional team ensures that the body is prepared with utmost care and respect. Once the body is transferred from the hospital or home, we perform dignified cleaning, make-up, and embalming (if requested). Embalming allows for the use of a viewing panel in the casket, providing family members the opportunity to pay their last respects.

If you prefer not to embalm the body, our team will still conduct a thorough cleaning and allow time for the family to view the deceased before sealing the casket. We also assist in booking cremation or burial slots through the National Environment Agency (NEA) in Singapore.

Clothing for the Deceased

Families may provide a set of clothing, including undergarments and shoes, for the deceased. If desired, we can supply a traditional longevity suit (寿衣), or "Shou Yi," a special ceremonial garment worn by the deceased. Additionally, for Buddhist devotees who have taken precepts (皈依) in temples, we recommend using their personal chanting robes during the funeral rites.

Conducting the Buddhist Funeral Ceremony

Once the body is prepared, the Buddhist encoffin prayer is performed, with monks leading the ceremony. The body is then placed in the casket, along with religious items such as incense, Buddhist scriptures, and personal belongings, which symbolize the journey into the afterlife.

Casket Selection

We offer a wide selection of Buddhist-themed caskets that range from simple, elegant designs to those engraved with Lotus flowers or Buddhist scriptures. Families can also choose burial or cremation services, with options for a wide variety of burial caskets if needed.

How Long Should a Buddhist Funeral Last?

Buddhist funerals in Singapore typically last 3 to 7 days, with most families opting for an odd number of days as per tradition. The length of the wake often depends on the availability of family members to keep vigil over the body. There are no strict rules regarding the number of days, allowing flexibility based on the family’s needs.

Buddhist Funeral Chanting Services

The chanting of sutras and prayers is a central part of any Buddhist funeral. Our standard chanting services include:

• 1 session upon the arrival of the casket.
• 3 sessions on the final night of the wake.
• 1 session before the departure for the cremation or burial site.

The chanting is typically led by ordained monks who recite the Amitabha Sutra (阿弥陀经), helping the soul release attachments to the earthly realm and guiding it toward the Western Paradise.

Wake Visitation Etiquette

Buddhist funeral wakes are generally open 24 hours, except for those held at funeral parlours where families can specify visitation hours. Visitors should dress in dull or modest colors and offer incense to the deceased as a sign of respect upon arrival.

Funeral Day and Final Send-Off

On the day of the funeral, the family will participate in a final prayer ceremony led by Buddhist monks. This is followed by the transfer of merits accumulated from the wake. After the prayers, the casket will be placed in the funeral hearse for its final journey to the cremation or burial site. Family members and friends may offer final tributes as they accompany the casket.

Why Choose Singapore Funeral Group?

At Singapore Funeral Group, we pride ourselves on our compassionate and professional service. Our team of experienced funeral directors is well-versed in the nuances of Buddhist funeral rites, ensuring that every detail is taken care of with respect and dignity. By offering a one-stop funeral solution, we can provide everything you need under one roof, from funeral arrangements to coordination with monks and temples.

We are dedicated to providing quality services at competitive prices, with no hidden costs or outsourcing. Our funeral packages are designed to meet a range of needs, ensuring that your loved one receives a proper, meaningful farewell.

Contact Us Today

For more information about our Buddhist Funeral Packages or to make funeral arrangements, please call our 24-hour hotline at 9637 1818, or visit our website for a full listing of our packages and services.