Buddhist Funeral Traditions in the UK: Rites and Arrangements

Buddhism is not a monolithic religion. The Theravada tradition of Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar; the Mahayana traditions of China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam; and the Vajrayana tradition of Tibet all differ substantially in their funeral rites, their understanding of what happens after death, and the rituals appropriate for supporting a dying person and their consciousness afterwards. When arranging a Buddhist funeral in the UK, the first step is always to understand which tradition the deceased followed.

The Diversity Within Buddhism

Buddhism in the UK is more diverse than many people realise. The UK is home to communities practising:

• Theravada Buddhism: The oldest surviving school, predominant among communities from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, and Laos. Monasteries such as Amaravati (Hertfordshire) and Chithurst (West Sussex) are centres of Theravada practice in the UK. Funerals typically involve monks chanting Pali suttas, offering blessings, and participating in merit-making activities.
• Mahayana Buddhism: Includes the Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese traditions. Chinese Buddhist funerals often include a period of chanting before the deceased is moved, specific scriptures such as the Amitabha Sutra, and ritual paper offerings. Japanese Zen funerals involve a dharma name (kaimyo) being bestowed on the deceased.
• Tibetan (Vajrayana) Buddhism: The tradition of Tibet, Bhutan, and Mongolia. Tibetan funerals are shaped by the teachings of the Bardo Thodol (the Tibetan Book of the Dead) and involve elaborate rituals over the 49-day Bardo period. Lamas play a central role.
• Western convert Buddhist communities: Many UK Buddhists come from non-heritage backgrounds and may follow any of the above traditions, or practise within organisations such as Triratna Buddhist Community. Their funeral practices may blend traditional elements with more personalised approaches.

Common Elements Across Most Buddhist Traditions

Despite this diversity, certain themes and practices appear across many Buddhist funeral traditions:

• Chanting: The recitation of sutras (Pali or Sanskrit) or mantras (in Tibetan and some Mahayana traditions) is central to most Buddhist funeral ceremonies. Chanting is believed to generate merit that can be transferred to the deceased, and to create a calm and supportive atmosphere for the consciousness.
• Simplicity and peace: Buddhist funerals generally emphasise a calm, peaceful atmosphere conducive to a good transition. Excessive noise, loud weeping, or dramatic expressions of grief are discouraged — though grief is acknowledged and not suppressed.
• White flowers and incense: White flowers (such as chrysanthemums or lilies) and incense are common offerings. Red flowers are generally avoided as they are associated with celebration rather than mourning in many Asian cultures.
• Images of the Buddha: An altar with a Buddha image, flowers, incense, candles, and sometimes fruit or food offerings is typically set up near the deceased or at the funeral venue.
• The period between death and cremation: Many Buddhist traditions place great importance on the hours and days immediately after death. The consciousness is understood to remain close to the body, and chanting and prayer during this period is considered particularly beneficial. Families may request that the body not be moved or disturbed for a period after death if possible.

The 49-Day Bardo Period in Tibetan Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhist teaching describes the period between death and rebirth as the Bardo — an intermediate state that lasts up to 49 days. The Bardo Thodol (commonly translated as the Tibetan Book of the Dead) is a text traditionally read aloud to the dying person and to the deceased during this period, guiding the consciousness through the experiences it will encounter.

During the 49-day period, Tibetan Buddhist families and communities may:

• Arrange for a qualified lama to read from the Bardo Thodol shortly after death and at intervals throughout the 49 days.
• Perform daily prayers and make offerings on behalf of the deceased.
• Hold ceremonies on specific days within the 49-day period — particularly the 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, 35th, 42nd, and 49th days.
• Observe dietary restrictions or personal conduct commitments in honour of the deceased.

In a UK context, the physical cremation will typically take place within the first few weeks — the 49-day period of ritual continues regardless of when the cremation occurs. Families living in the UK will often attend ceremonies at their local Tibetan Buddhist centre rather than at home.

Cremation and UK Practicalities

Cremation is the preferred method of disposal in most Buddhist traditions. The Buddha himself was cremated, and cremation symbolises the impermanence of the body and the release of the consciousness from its physical form.

In the UK, cremation takes place at a licensed crematorium. Standard cremation timescales apply — typically within a week to ten days of death, subject to registration and any coroner investigation. Families wishing to delay cremation for religious reasons (for example, to observe an initial chanting period) should discuss this with the funeral director.

Some practical points for Buddhist cremations in the UK:

• Most crematoria will accommodate a ceremony of any length within a booked slot — longer slots (60 or 90 minutes rather than the standard 30 minutes) can usually be arranged for an additional fee.
• Incense burning is permitted in most UK crematoria, though quantities should be modest and the funeral director should be consulted in advance.
• Cremated remains (ashes) may be scattered or buried according to the family’s wishes. Some families scatter ashes in water (rivers, the sea) consistent with Buddhist symbolism of dissolution.

Finding a Buddhist Monk or Officiant in the UK

Finding the right person to lead a Buddhist funeral depends on the tradition:

• Theravada traditions: Contact Amaravati Buddhist Monastery (amaravati.org) in Hertfordshire or Chithurst Buddhist Monastery (cittaviveka.org) in West Sussex. Most Theravada monasteries will provide monks to lead funeral chanting if given adequate notice.
• Tibetan traditions: Contact your local Tibetan Buddhist centre or Rigpa (rigpa.org.uk), which has centres across the UK and can provide qualified lamas or practitioners. Kagyu Samye Ling in Scotland is another important resource.
• Chinese Mahayana traditions: Contact the nearest Chinese Buddhist temple or monastery. Many areas with significant Chinese communities have temples that can provide monks for funeral ceremonies.
• General Buddhist contacts: The Buddhist Society (thebuddhistsociety.org) and the Network of Buddhist Organisations (nbo.org.uk) can advise on contacts across all traditions.
• Lay officiants and celebrants: Where a monk is not available, a senior and qualified lay practitioner within the sangha (community) may lead the ceremony. Some professional celebrants also specialise in Buddhist funerals.