Difference between revisions of "A Funeral Service"
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<poem> | <poem> | ||
Introduction | Introduction | ||
| − | If we are requested to perform a funeral rite for someone who has recently died, we can use this sadhana Heartfelt Prayers. This is a funeral service in which spiritual practitioners gather together to make heartfelt prayers and dedications for the deceased person to take a fortunate rebirth. Because it is a Buddhist service, the prayers are addressed to the assembly of Buddhas and other holy beings. The prayers set out in this ritual are only the basis for a funeral service, and may be adapted as appropriate. | + | If we are requested to perform a [[funeral]] [[rite]] for someone who has recently [[died]], we can use this [[sadhana]] Heartfelt [[Prayers]]. This is a [[funeral]] service in which [[spiritual]] practitioners [[gather]] together to make heartfelt [[prayers]] and dedications for the deceased [[person]] to take a [[fortunate]] [[rebirth]]. Because it is a [[Buddhist]] service, the [[prayers]] are addressed to the assembly of [[Buddhas]] and other {{Wiki|holy}} [[beings]]. The [[prayers]] set out in this [[ritual]] are only the basis for a [[funeral]] service, and may be adapted as [[appropriate]]. |
| + | [[File:17494.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| + | The [[power]] of our [[prayers]] depends upon the strength and [[purity]] of our [[intention]]. In this service it is very important for everyone to have a [[mind]] of [[compassion]] for all [[living beings]] in {{Wiki|general}}, and for the deceased in particular. If we have a genuinely [[compassionate]] [[motivation]] our [[prayers]] will definitely be effective. | ||
| + | Heartfelt [[Prayers]] | ||
| + | [[File:15335 15 Tib.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| + | Preliminary [[prayers]] | ||
| + | [[File:1EnUWpjl.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| + | In the [[space]] before me is the living [[Buddha Shakyamuni]] surrounded by all the [[Buddhas]] and [[Bodhisattvas]], like the [[full moon]] surrounded by stars. | ||
| + | [[File:111169.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| + | I and all [[sentient beings]], until we achieve [[enlightenment]], | ||
| + | Go for [[refuge]] to [[Buddha]], [[Dharma]], and [[Sangha]]. (3x) | ||
| − | + | Through the [[virtues]] I collect by giving and other [[perfections]], | |
| − | + | May I become a [[Buddha]] for the {{Wiki|benefit}} of all. (3x) | |
| − | + | May everyone be [[happy]], | |
| + | May everyone be free from [[misery]], | ||
| + | May no one ever be separated from their [[happiness]], | ||
| + | May everyone have [[equanimity]], free from [[hatred]] and [[attachment]]. | ||
| − | + | [[Prayer]] of the [[Stages of the Path]] | |
| − | + | [[File:FUNERAL-2.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | |
| − | + | The [[path]] begins with strong reliance | |
| − | + | On my kind [[Teacher]], source of all good; | |
| − | + | O Bless me with this [[understanding]] | |
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| − | Prayer of the Stages of the Path | ||
| − | |||
| − | The path begins with strong reliance | ||
| − | On my kind Teacher, source of all good; | ||
| − | O Bless me with this understanding | ||
To follow him with great devotion. | To follow him with great devotion. | ||
| − | This human life with all its freedoms, | + | This [[human]] [[life]] with all its freedoms, |
Extremely rare, with so much meaning; | Extremely rare, with so much meaning; | ||
| − | O Bless me with this understanding | + | O Bless me with this [[understanding]] |
| − | All day and night to seize its essence | + | All day and night to seize its [[essence]]. |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
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| − | + | My [[body]], like a [[water]] bubble, | |
| − | + | Decays and [[dies]] so very quickly; | |
| − | + | After [[death]] come results of [[karma]], | |
| − | + | Just like the shadow of a [[body]]. | |
| − | Samsara’s pleasures are deceptive, | + | With this firm [[knowledge]] and remembrance |
| − | Give no contentment, only torment; | + | Bless me to be extremely {{Wiki|cautious}}, |
| + | Always avoiding harmful [[actions]] | ||
| + | And [[gathering]] abundant [[virtue]]. | ||
| + | [[File:2-funeral2.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| + | Samsara’s [[pleasures]] are deceptive, | ||
| + | Give no [[contentment]], only torment; | ||
So please bless me to strive sincerely | So please bless me to strive sincerely | ||
| − | To gain the bliss of perfect freedom. | + | To gain the [[bliss]] of perfect freedom. |
| − | O Bless me so that from this pure thought | + | O Bless me so that from this [[pure]] [[thought]] |
| − | Come mindfulness and greatest caution, | + | Come [[mindfulness]] and greatest caution, |
| − | To keep as my essential practice | + | To keep as my [[essential]] practice |
| − | The doctrine’s root, the Pratimoksha. | + | The doctrine’s [[root]], the [[Pratimoksha]]. |
Just like myself all my kind mothers | Just like myself all my kind mothers | ||
Are drowning in samsara’s ocean; | Are drowning in samsara’s ocean; | ||
O So that I may soon release them, | O So that I may soon release them, | ||
| − | Bless me to train in bodhichitta. | + | Bless me to train in [[bodhichitta]]. |
| − | But I cannot become a Buddha | + | But I cannot become a [[Buddha]] |
| − | By this alone without three ethics; | + | By this alone without three [[ethics]]; |
So bless me with the strength to practise | So bless me with the strength to practise | ||
| − | The Bodhisattva’s ordination. | + | The [[Bodhisattva’s]] [[ordination]]. |
By pacifying my distractions | By pacifying my distractions | ||
And analyzing perfect meanings, | And analyzing perfect meanings, | ||
Bless me to quickly gain the union | Bless me to quickly gain the union | ||
| − | Of special insight and quiescence. | + | Of special [[insight]] and quiescence. |
| − | + | [[File:Nder-2.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | |
| − | When I become a pure container | + | When I become a [[pure]] container |
| − | Through common paths, bless me to enter | + | Through common [[paths]], bless me to enter |
| − | The essence practice of good fortune, | + | The [[essence]] practice of good [[fortune]], |
| − | The supreme vehicle, Vajrayana. | + | The [[supreme]] [[vehicle]], [[Vajrayana]]. |
The two attainments both depend on | The two attainments both depend on | ||
| − | My sacred vows and my commitments; | + | My [[sacred]] [[vows]] and my commitments; |
Bless me to understand this clearly | Bless me to understand this clearly | ||
| − | And keep them at the cost of my life. | + | And keep them at the cost of my [[life]]. |
| − | By constant practice in four sessions, | + | By [[constant practice]] in four sessions, |
| − | The way explained by holy Teachers, | + | The way explained by {{Wiki|holy}} [[Teachers]], |
O Bless me to gain both the stages, | O Bless me to gain both the stages, | ||
| − | Which are the essence of the Tantras. | + | Which are the [[essence]] of the [[Tantras]]. |
| − | May those who guide me on the good path, | + | May those who guide me on the good [[path]], |
| − | And my companions all have long lives; | + | And my companions all have long [[lives]]; |
Bless me to pacify completely | Bless me to pacify completely | ||
| − | All obstacles, outer and inner. | + | All {{Wiki|obstacles}}, outer and inner. |
| − | May I always find perfect Teachers, | + | May I always find perfect [[Teachers]], |
| − | And take delight in holy Dharma, | + | And take [[delight]] in {{Wiki|holy}} [[Dharma]], |
| − | Accomplish all grounds and paths swiftly, | + | Accomplish all grounds and [[paths]] swiftly, |
| − | And gain the state of Vajradhara. | + | And gain the state of [[Vajradhara]]. |
| − | From the hearts of all the holy beings, streams of light and nectar flow down, blessing and purifying . . . ‘s mind. | + | From the hearts of all the {{Wiki|holy}} [[beings]], streams of [[light]] and [[nectar]] flow down, [[blessing]] and purifying . . . ‘s [[mind]]. |
| − | + | [[File:FUNERAL14.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | |
| − | The assembly observes a short period of silence. | + | The assembly observes a short period of [[silence]]. |
Remembrance | Remembrance | ||
A remembrance of the deceased is delivered. | A remembrance of the deceased is delivered. | ||
| − | The officiant leads the assembly in prayer: | + | The officiant leads the assembly in [[prayer]]: |
| − | Buddha taught that all life is impermanent and that all those who are born must eventually pass from this life. However, everyone has within them the seeds of their past virtues, which have the power to bring a fortunate rebirth in the future. | + | [[Buddha]] taught that all [[life]] is [[impermanent]] and that all those who are born must eventually pass from this [[life]]. However, everyone has within them the [[seeds]] of their past [[virtues]], which have the [[power]] to bring a [[fortunate]] [[rebirth]] in the future. |
| − | We pray that through the power of this virtue, through the blessings of the holy beings, and through the force of our heartfelt prayers, our dear friend, . . . , will experience great good fortune and everlasting peace and happiness. | + | We pray that through the [[power]] of this [[virtue]], through the [[blessings]] of the {{Wiki|holy}} [[beings]], and through the force of our heartfelt [[prayers]], our dear friend, . . . , will [[experience]] great good [[fortune]] and everlasting [[peace]] and [[happiness]]. |
| − | We also pray for the bereaved relatives and friends, that they may be comforted in their loss and find peace of mind and strength of heart. | + | We also pray for the bereaved relatives and friends, that they may be comforted in their loss and find [[peace]] of [[mind]] and strength of [[heart]]. |
| − | May all beings without exception be released from suffering, and find true happiness and everlasting peace. | + | May all [[beings]] without exception be released from [[suffering]], and find true [[happiness]] and everlasting [[peace]]. |
| − | Additional prayers can be recited at this point. | + | Additional [[prayers]] can be recited at this point. |
| − | The assembly observes a few moments of silent contemplation and prayer. | + | The assembly observes a few moments of [[silent]] {{Wiki|contemplation}} and [[prayer]]. |
| − | Now, while focusing strongly on compassion for all living beings in general and for the deceased in particular, the assembly chants the mantra of the Buddha of Compassion twenty-one times: | + | Now, while focusing strongly on [[compassion]] for all [[living beings]] in {{Wiki|general}} and for the deceased in particular, the assembly chants the [[mantra]] of the [[Buddha]] of [[Compassion]] twenty-one times: |
OM MANI PÄME HUM | OM MANI PÄME HUM | ||
| − | Dedication prayers | + | [[Dedication]] [[prayers]] |
| − | + | [[File:Rcoffin.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | |
The officiant says: | The officiant says: | ||
| − | We now dedicate all the virtues we have collected to the future happiness of our dear friend . . . . | + | We now dedicate all the [[virtues]] we have collected to the future [[happiness]] of our dear friend . . . . |
| − | The assembly recites the following prayers: | + | The assembly recites the following [[prayers]]: |
| − | Through the virtues we have collected | + | Through the [[virtues]] we have collected |
| − | By practising the stages of the path, | + | By practising the [[stages of the path]], |
May . . . find the opportunity | May . . . find the opportunity | ||
To practise in the same way. | To practise in the same way. | ||
| − | May . . . experience | + | May . . . [[experience]] |
| − | The happiness of humans and gods, | + | The [[happiness]] of [[humans]] and [[gods]], |
| − | And quickly attain enlightenment, | + | And quickly attain [[enlightenment]], |
| − | So that his/her samsara is finally extinguished. | + | So that his/her [[samsara]] is finally [[extinguished]]. |
| − | May there arise in . . . ‘s mind | + | May there arise in . . . ‘s [[mind]] |
| − | Great faith in Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, | + | Great [[faith]] in [[Buddha]], [[Dharma]], and [[Sangha]], |
And thus may he/she always receive | And thus may he/she always receive | ||
| − | The blessings of the Three Precious Jewels. | + | The [[blessings]] of the Three [[Precious]] Jewels. |
| − | May . . . meet precious Teachers | + | May . . . meet [[precious]] [[Teachers]] |
| − | Who reveal the stages of the path to enlightenment, | + | Who reveal the [[stages of the path to enlightenment]], |
| − | And through engaging in this path | + | And through engaging in this [[path]] |
| − | May he/she quickly attain the ultimate peace of full enlightenment. | + | May he/she quickly attain the [[ultimate]] [[peace]] of full [[enlightenment]]. |
| − | The Buddhadharma is the supreme medicine | + | The [[Buddhadharma]] is the [[supreme]] [[medicine]] |
| − | That relieves all mental pain, | + | That relieves all [[mental]] [[pain]], |
| − | So may this precious Dharma Jewel | + | So may this [[precious]] [[Dharma]] [[Jewel]] |
| − | Pervade all worlds throughout space. | + | Pervade all [[worlds]] throughout [[space]]. |
| − | However many living beings there are | + | However many [[living beings]] there are |
| − | Experiencing mental and physical suffering, | + | Experiencing [[mental]] and [[physical]] [[suffering]], |
| − | May their suffering cease through the power of our merit, | + | May their [[suffering]] cease through the [[power]] of our [[merit]], |
| − | And may they find everlasting happiness and joy. | + | And may they find everlasting [[happiness]] and [[joy]]. |
| − | May there never arise in this world | + | May there never arise in this [[world]] |
| − | The miseries of incurable disease, famine, or war, | + | The miseries of incurable {{Wiki|disease}}, famine, or [[war]], |
Or the dangers of earthquakes, fires, | Or the dangers of earthquakes, fires, | ||
Floods, storms, and so forth. | Floods, storms, and so forth. | ||
| − | Through the blessings of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, | + | Through the [[blessings]] of the [[Buddhas]] and [[Bodhisattvas]], |
| − | The truth of actions and their effects, | + | The [[truth]] of [[actions]] and their effects, |
| − | And the power of our pure superior intention, | + | And the [[power]] of our [[pure]] {{Wiki|superior}} [[intention]], |
| − | May all our prayers be fulfilled. | + | May all our [[prayers]] be fulfilled. |
</poem> | </poem> | ||
{{R}} | {{R}} | ||
[http://www.death-and-dying.org/funeral-service.htm/ www.death-and-dying.org] | [http://www.death-and-dying.org/funeral-service.htm/ www.death-and-dying.org] | ||
| + | [[Category:Funeral (Buddhism)]] | ||
| − | [[Category: | + | [[Category:Buddhist Terms]] |
| − | |||
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Latest revision as of 11:52, 14 December 2013
Introduction
If we are requested to perform a funeral rite for someone who has recently died, we can use this sadhana Heartfelt Prayers. This is a funeral service in which spiritual practitioners gather together to make heartfelt prayers and dedications for the deceased person to take a fortunate rebirth. Because it is a Buddhist service, the prayers are addressed to the assembly of Buddhas and other holy beings. The prayers set out in this ritual are only the basis for a funeral service, and may be adapted as appropriate.
The power of our prayers depends upon the strength and purity of our intention. In this service it is very important for everyone to have a mind of compassion for all living beings in general, and for the deceased in particular. If we have a genuinely compassionate motivation our prayers will definitely be effective.
Heartfelt Prayers
Preliminary prayers
In the space before me is the living Buddha Shakyamuni surrounded by all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, like the full moon surrounded by stars.
I and all sentient beings, until we achieve enlightenment,
Go for refuge to Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. (3x)
Through the virtues I collect by giving and other perfections,
May I become a Buddha for the benefit of all. (3x)
May everyone be happy,
May everyone be free from misery,
May no one ever be separated from their happiness,
May everyone have equanimity, free from hatred and attachment.
Prayer of the Stages of the Path
The path begins with strong reliance
On my kind Teacher, source of all good;
O Bless me with this understanding
To follow him with great devotion.
This human life with all its freedoms,
Extremely rare, with so much meaning;
O Bless me with this understanding
All day and night to seize its essence.
My body, like a water bubble,
Decays and dies so very quickly;
After death come results of karma,
Just like the shadow of a body.
With this firm knowledge and remembrance
Bless me to be extremely cautious,
Always avoiding harmful actions
And gathering abundant virtue.
Samsara’s pleasures are deceptive,
Give no contentment, only torment;
So please bless me to strive sincerely
To gain the bliss of perfect freedom.
O Bless me so that from this pure thought
Come mindfulness and greatest caution,
To keep as my essential practice
The doctrine’s root, the Pratimoksha.
Just like myself all my kind mothers
Are drowning in samsara’s ocean;
O So that I may soon release them,
Bless me to train in bodhichitta.
But I cannot become a Buddha
By this alone without three ethics;
So bless me with the strength to practise
The Bodhisattva’s ordination.
By pacifying my distractions
And analyzing perfect meanings,
Bless me to quickly gain the union
Of special insight and quiescence.
When I become a pure container
Through common paths, bless me to enter
The essence practice of good fortune,
The supreme vehicle, Vajrayana.
The two attainments both depend on
My sacred vows and my commitments;
Bless me to understand this clearly
And keep them at the cost of my life.
By constant practice in four sessions,
The way explained by holy Teachers,
O Bless me to gain both the stages,
Which are the essence of the Tantras.
May those who guide me on the good path,
And my companions all have long lives;
Bless me to pacify completely
All obstacles, outer and inner.
May I always find perfect Teachers,
And take delight in holy Dharma,
Accomplish all grounds and paths swiftly,
And gain the state of Vajradhara.
From the hearts of all the holy beings, streams of light and nectar flow down, blessing and purifying . . . ‘s mind.
The assembly observes a short period of silence.
Remembrance
A remembrance of the deceased is delivered.
The officiant leads the assembly in prayer:
Buddha taught that all life is impermanent and that all those who are born must eventually pass from this life. However, everyone has within them the seeds of their past virtues, which have the power to bring a fortunate rebirth in the future.
We pray that through the power of this virtue, through the blessings of the holy beings, and through the force of our heartfelt prayers, our dear friend, . . . , will experience great good fortune and everlasting peace and happiness.
We also pray for the bereaved relatives and friends, that they may be comforted in their loss and find peace of mind and strength of heart.
May all beings without exception be released from suffering, and find true happiness and everlasting peace.
Additional prayers can be recited at this point.
The assembly observes a few moments of silent contemplation and prayer.
Now, while focusing strongly on compassion for all living beings in general and for the deceased in particular, the assembly chants the mantra of the Buddha of Compassion twenty-one times:
OM MANI PÄME HUM
Dedication prayers
The officiant says:
We now dedicate all the virtues we have collected to the future happiness of our dear friend . . . .
The assembly recites the following prayers:
Through the virtues we have collected
By practising the stages of the path,
May . . . find the opportunity
To practise in the same way.
May . . . experience
The happiness of humans and gods,
And quickly attain enlightenment,
So that his/her samsara is finally extinguished.
May there arise in . . . ‘s mind
Great faith in Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha,
And thus may he/she always receive
The blessings of the Three Precious Jewels.
May . . . meet precious Teachers
Who reveal the stages of the path to enlightenment,
And through engaging in this path
May he/she quickly attain the ultimate peace of full enlightenment.
The Buddhadharma is the supreme medicine
That relieves all mental pain,
So may this precious Dharma Jewel
Pervade all worlds throughout space.
However many living beings there are
Experiencing mental and physical suffering,
May their suffering cease through the power of our merit,
And may they find everlasting happiness and joy.
May there never arise in this world
The miseries of incurable disease, famine, or war,
Or the dangers of earthquakes, fires,
Floods, storms, and so forth.
Through the blessings of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas,
The truth of actions and their effects,
And the power of our pure superior intention,
May all our prayers be fulfilled.
