Buddhist funerals

When someone is dying, what do Buddhists do to help them? Tick all that apply.

• Remind them of their good deeds and that they have got good karma waiting, to bring them peace.

• The monk will sing quietly to bring them peace

• The monk will chant quietly to bring them peace

• Tell them all the bad things they've done which might cause bad rebirth.

What is number 1 pointing to?

• An altar in the house.

• The coffin or casket that the deceased lies in.

• Incense, which people light when they say prayers for the deceased.

What is number 2 pointing to?

• An altar in the house.

• The coffin or casket that the deceased lies in.

• Incense, which people light when they say prayers for the deceased.

Number 3 is pointing to the woman. What is she doing?

• Cleaning the coffin so that it doesn't get dirty.

• Lighting incense and praying for the deceased to get a good rebirth.

• Bowing to the deceased to show respect.

Is special food served at the funeral?

• Yes, there are special foods that are eaten that are very expensive, to show the family's love for the deceased.

• No. The family provides whatever they can afford to make the other mourners feel welcome.

What is the lady carrying?

• Food to take to the monks to thank them for helping with the ceremony.

• A gift of food for the deceased to take with them into their next life.

• Food for the party after the funeral ends.

What are the monks doing?

• Tying a rope between the cars. One car has broken down and it needs to be towed.

• Preparing a rope that everyone will hold onto so they don't get lost on the way to the cremation site.

• Preparing a rope that everyone will hold onto to help lead the deceased to have rebirth in heaven.

What is it called when people walk in an orderly line during a ceremony?

• a procession

• lining up

• marching

Why does rice get thrown on the ground at the front of the procession?

• The rice is a symbol for everybody's tears and sadness.

• The rice will get eaten by birds, which helps the person get some more good karma.

• The rice shines a path to heaven for the deceased.

What is happening in this picture?

• The monks are leading chants and prayers to help the deceased get a good rebirth.

• The monks are talking one at a time, telling the people about the Wheel of Samsara.

• The monks are telling the group their good memories of the deceased.