We offer Buddhist funerals for humans and pets

Throughout the world there are many denominations of Buddhism, each adhering to a different set of rites and customs.  

The rituals that take place around death and funerals serve to help the deceased in their future lives.

You can request a Buddhist funeral for a loved one or a pet in the Cerchio Zen Centers, in the cities of Milan, Padua, Cecina, Berceto, Pesaro and Naples.

What is a Buddhist funeral?
The general protocol for Buddhist funerals is a simple ceremony that takes place at the Monastery or Zen Center.

There will be an officiant: a monk or Dharma teacher, who will take care of the recitation of the Sutras, meditation and offerings to accompany the deceased.

The body cannot be taken to the Temple or Zen Center. However, it is possible to bring the ashes, or even just the photograph of the person or animal you want to accompany "to the other shore".

Depending on temple commitments, a humble reception may also be held after the funeral.

The Buddhist funeral tradition for humans and animals

The photograph and/or ashes of the deceased person or animal is the centerpiece of the altar set up by the monks. The altar will also have lit candles and other offerings such as flowers and fruit, biscuits and tea; there will also be incense. Buddhist funeral tradition dictates that an image of the Buddha also be placed near the altar. It is important to remember that in Zen Buddhism there are no rules governing burial or cremation, so it is up to the free will of individuals. However, it is not possible to bring the body into the Temple.

Buddhist funeral etiquette
Mourners attending a Buddhist funeral should observe appropriate behavior. Calm and respectful behavior.

Upon arrival, mourners may proceed calmly to the altar where they will pay their respects with a slight bow and hands clasped in prayer. In this gesture, mourners should think of the extinct person or animal and the lives they led together.

During the recitation of the Sutras, participants are invited to join in the singing (a booklet with the name of the deceased and the recitations for him is distributed), but it is acceptable to remain silent if you are not familiar with Buddhist funeral rites. If monks are present, it is common etiquette for mourners to follow their signals, such as when to sit and stand.

Sharing memories at a Buddhist funeral
Buddhist tradition suggests that remembrance of the extinct person or animal should occur in a calm and peaceful environment, with the presence of close friends and family. The Temple or Zen Center fulfills this function perfectly.  

People close to the deceased person or animal should reflect together on the actions that the deceased performed during his or her life. It is recommended to share a memory, write a phrase or a dedication that you consider worthy for the deceased and leave it on the altar.

How long does a Buddhist funeral last
From 45 to 60 minutes.

Who can attend a Buddhist funeral
Guests who are not of Buddhist faith can still actively participate in the Buddhist ceremony if they wish, or rather silently observe the rituals.

No headgear is required. Shoes must be removed and left at the entrance to the temple or zen center. For a temple ceremony the clothing should be suitable for sitting on the floor during meditation. Sober, dark-colored clothing.

Donations for the Buddhist funeral
Whether it is a funeral for a human being or a funeral for a pet, the minimum donation requested is €200,00 to cover the costs of officiating the funeral rite and to support the Temple. In any case it is necessary to reach an agreement with the general secretariat of our association.

Attitudes to relieve pain

Because mindfulness is believed to be important in Buddhist practice, and especially during the dying process, many Buddhists will take care to ensure that pain relief does not leave them completely disconnected from what is happening to them.

Although Buddhists understand that death is not an end, but only a transition from one form to another, it is acceptable to show pain. In doing so, friends and family recognize the loss of their loved one and beloved pet. The goal, however, should be to understand the transience of life, that is, to understand Impermanence, to think of one's own mortality as an impetus to make life meaningful, and to perform good deeds on behalf of the person or animal we have loved.

Curiosities about Buddhist pet funerals

There are increasing requests that our Buddhist community receives from grieving owners who wish to perform funeral rites for their pets. 

We celebrate funeral rites for pets in the same way as those of people.

Tokyo's cat temple
Kannōji in Setagaya, Tokyo, accepts strays and local cats from animal shelters, earning it the affectionate nickname “cat temple.” Chief Priest Narita Junkyō has been providing regular memorial funeral prayer services for animals for more than ten years. 

Today the temple conducts 46 percent of its funerals and memorial services for pets compared to 5 percent for people. These efforts by Kannōji to respond to the needs of parishioners may seem quite progressive. But in fact, there are numerous ancient sources that demonstrate that the practice of performing Buddhist funerals for deceased animals has a history dating back many centuries.

Faithful until death

Japan's oldest pet grave is a burial mound in Kishiwada, Osaka, marking the final resting place of a famous and loyal dog said to have lived in the 6th century.

According to tradition, among the servants of Mononobe no Moriya, who fought against the Soga to oppose the introduction of Buddhism to Japan, there was a man named Toritoribe no Yorozu. When Moriya was killed in battle, Yorozu took his own life. His faithful dog Shiro saved Yorozu's head from the scene and buried it. Shiro then kept constant guard over his master's grave until he starved to death. The court, moved by the dog's loyalty and devotion, allowed a tomb to be built for Shiro. Today, the gravestones of Yorozu and Shiro stand atop the mound, and every autumn members of the Tsukamoto family, who believe they are Yorozu's descendants, gather to celebrate the deaths of the two heroes. It is remarkable that these Buddhist memorial services have continued uninterrupted for nearly 1.500 years.

Another famously loyal pet is Hachikō, whose story is probably familiar to almost everyone in Japan. According to legend, Hachikō belonged to a man named Ueno Eizaburō, a professor in the agriculture department of the University of Tokyo. Every day, as Ueno left for work, Hachikō accompanied him to Shibuya Station and dutifully waited there for his return in the evening. This went on for about a year, but Ueno suddenly died while at university. However, Hachikō continued to wait every day at Shibuya Station for his master for the rest of his life. Hachikō eventually died in 1935, ten years after Ueno's death. Already famous, his passing was an important event. Hachikō was taken to Shibuya station, where a true Buddhist funeral was held, with prayers said by 16 priests called by the local Buddhist association.

Due to the deep bonds of affection between the dog and Ueno, it was deemed appropriate to make a real grave for the faithful dog. Hachikō is found in the Ueno family grave within Tokyo's Aoyama Cemetery, where a small doghouse-like stone structure stands next to the professor's grave. 

These examples show how pet funeral rites have a long history in Japan. Feeling attached to a beloved pet and praying for its rebirth is a natural desire for many people. Buddhism can truly preach the spirit of compassion for all living beings, and the death of a beloved pet can teach us the true meaning of mourning.