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Of all the funeral homes in Brooklyn, Harmony Funeral Home offers exceptional service for all faiths and traditions, including Buddhism. A Buddhist funeral in Brooklyn may consist of a wide range of requests, but none are beyond the scope of possibility for the team at Harmony Funeral Home, recognized for excellence by the National Funeral Directors Association. To honor your loved ones with a respectful, personalized Buddhist funeral in Brooklyn, call Harmony Funeral Home in advance or immediately following the death of a loved one.
Where Can I Find a Buddhist Funeral Service in Brooklyn, NY?
The best place to find a Buddhist funeral in Brooklyn, NY is at Harmony Funeral Home. The professional funeral directors at one of the best funeral parlors in Brooklyn are well versed in the rituals and traditions of the Buddhist faith. They help you navigate your way through the death of your loved one. Buddhists believe in reincarnation and therefore the established practices are meant to help the deceased on to their next life. These funeral customs include:
- Creating a tranquil place for your loved one to pass on
- Providing a period of meditation to contemplate the deceased’s good deeds
- Having the funeral service performed by a monk
Harmony Funeral Home has continually been voted the “Best of the Best” by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), and they’re recognized by the NFDA for excellence in funeral services, since they supply everything from legal paperwork assistance to eco-friendly burial options, often preferred by Buddhists.
What Are the Buddhist Views on Death?
Buddhist don’t look at death as the end of a life but as a transformation to another life. Most Buddhist funeral traditions are designed to smooth the transition and better their position in their new life. When death is near or already happened, the loved one may be surrounded by:
- Pictures or statues of Buddha
- Flowers
- Mandala blanket used in meditation
These items are meant to promote a peaceful, calm environment to focus on the goodness and spirituality of the loved one. Some might have monks come to chant or pray. Others may choose to do good deeds in the name of the ailing person, getting them favor for a better reincarnation. It’s customary to leave the body of the deceased untouched for four hours after death to allow the soul to depart the body.
What Can I Expect at a Buddhist Funeral in New York?
The Buddhist funeral may include an open casket, allowing friends and family to say goodbye. On the other hand, many Buddhists are cremated, which may require a host of cremation services, such as:
- Direct cremation services
- Crematory services
- Urn choices
- Ash scattering services
- Witness cremation services
There are many different types of Buddhism, but all believe in reincarnation. One common theme, however, is the wide use of white- or cream-colored flowers. Other common elements usually found at a Buddhist funeral in Brooklyn, NY include:
- Offerings such as food or incense
- Chanting and praying
- Meditation
What Happens After the Buddhist Funeral in Brooklyn?
After the funeral has ended, if the body wasn’t cremated, it’s moved to the grave site. When the coffin is buried, the mourners turn away to show respect. Buddhist tradition does not end there. There is a significant period of mourning, which includes rituals or traditions on the third, seventh, 49th, and 100th day after death. It’s commonly believed that the soul has a rebirth after 49 days. Often, after a Buddhist funeral:
- Loved ones and friends gather at a family member’s house to reminisce.
- Memorial services may be held on the traditional days of remembrance.
- Annual memorials are commonly held.
There are hundreds of traditions in the Buddhist religion; make all your requests known when you contact the team at Harmony Funeral Home. They ensure you receive the Buddhist funeral in Brooklyn that respects and follows all your requirements. They’ve been honored by the NFDA for outstanding community service and innovative funeral practices and proudly serve the Flatbush, East Flatbush and Canarsie communities.
Harmony Funeral Home
2200 Clarendon Rd.,
Brooklyn, NY 11226
(718) 469-6666