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Very new to Buddhism, my initial questions. (temple/funeral)
Good afternoon.
After 30 years of searching, I found myself, and place in Buddhism. The school, or path I am walking is that of Mahayana, and the Zen tradition.
Although it has only been the last few days, I made my personal declaration to become a practising Buddhist within this school/tradition I have so many questions, but would like to start with just a couple, although some may find these initial two questions odd:
1) I live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. There are only two temples here, they are as follows:
http://chinyintemple.ca/english/
and
Ratachatham Temple-Thai Buddhist Temple
I do not believe either of these are "Zen" nor teach Zen buddhism, but do you think it would be wise for me to attend these temples or one of them as it would be "better than nothing". Also how much of a difference do you think the teachings between these two, and Zen, would be? I suppose my point here is that if one of these temples is close to Mahayana-Zen would to be worth in fact taking up there school as at least that way I would have a support group, teachers, and a temple in which to be apart of!? I hope that all makes sense!!
2) As odd as this is, Zen, and most schools and traditions of buddhism have there own funeral guidelines. Now if I walk the Mahayana-Zen path on my own how will my funeral be conducted. Yes my wife will no my beliefs, but she is not Buddhist. I suppose my question here is how will I be able to go about having a traditional Buddhist funeral if I am not part of a temple to conduct burial rites/rituals/service.
Thanks,
0
Comments
As to number two, I have no clue about funeral ceremonies. I always assumed I would have a Christian burial since all my family is Christian and that would make them comfortable. After all I'd be dead and it wouldn't really matter to me anymore. I think in order to have some kind of Buddhist funeral you would need to be involved with a center that has native Asian teachers.
Buddhism may know different schools and traditions, but all traditions start with the 4 Noble Truths, The 8Fold Path and the 5 precepts.
visit the temples.
You have much to gain and nothing to lose.
For example, if i wanted a funeral such as this, how would one go around it, living in a city where there are no temples, or Zen buddhists. I suppose the question is, how do you arrange your funeral plans for yourself in an area that doesn't accommodate Buddhism?
http://tanutech.com/japan/jfunerals.html
Here's one link to a Zen centre: http://www.serenereflections.ca/
This one must have escaped my google search!
I also found this one, which looks interesting!
http://www.edmonton.shambhala.org/index.php
Large hospitals, and even the military have Buddhist Chaplins, and there certainly is no way they could cover all the flavors of Buddhism. While you may not be able to get exactly what you want, you would in all likelihood be a able to get a Monk or Zen priest to attend to you in a Buddhist fashion.
I mean, for example, i would say a sky burial is pretty much out of the question.
so you need to formulate exactly what you want - then ask a lawyer whether it would be feasible.
work on a compromise, should you have to - then make a will.
Edit: So I looked it up and found that it's actually a temple of the "True Buddha School".
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/True_Buddha_School Founded in the late 1980s by Lu Sheng-yen. Appears to be an offshoot of Vajrayana or Tibetan, which makes sense since they offer Tantrayana group practice.
I also support going to a Chan/Pure Land temple - but "beware" as many Chan temples are Chan/Pure Land, but not all pure Land temples include Chan practice!
@Lookingformyway "Tantrayana" is another name for Vajrayana. It seems like it's a Chinese Vajrayana temple (which is pretty uncommon I think). And judging from some of their pics, it looks like they have Vajrayana-style mandalas, pictures, and aesthetics in the temple.
The monks' robes are also not the ones I'm used to seeing Chinese Chan monks wearing (usually all grey or yellow, more flowing).
Seems like Edmonton has a lot of Vajrayana temples... I guess the climate is similar or something? Are there lots of Central Asian immigrants in edmonton?
It's great that you realise you're impermanent; I recently read Kadampa monks used to turn their bowls upside down before they went to sleep (usually this was only done when a monk died), and rejoiced when they woke up that they were still alive.
But for someone new to Buddhism, is everything ok?
Since you say you are new to practice, don't be shy about checking things out. It's one thing to read a book and decide to be a Zen or any other Buddhist and actually finding out what different centers might be like. It's your practice rather than your belief system that is likely to make a difference in your life. So before you drop dead and have the perfect ritual, I do hope you will investigate a number of centers/temples. Who knows, you may find you were actually cut out for Zoroastrianism.
you obviously know very little about buddhism.
i would suggest you gather more info 1st.
IMO, ZEN is just terribly confusing.
i would recomend you check out people like ajahn brahm.
to conduct buddhist funerals but out to make a quick buck.
personally, if you can play the recording of some suttas eg metta sutta,
that shd suffice.
the choice of tradition is his, just as a choice of another tradition is yours.
By all means suggest exploring other avenues, but do not assume the right to challenge anyone else's choice in the matter, or make sweeping assumptions.
That's just a bit insulting.
Sorry for my absense, and silence. I am still digesting everything that has been said. I am currently at work so can't write a long post (will respond more when I get home)
However I did want to address those who are concerned with my well being as asking about my funeral at the start of my journey got some worried as to my health.
I am ok, in fact I'm great! No sickness or health issues. The reason I ask about about my funeral etc is this:
I have ALWAYS been terrified of dieing. I joined faiths with "god, gods &" goddess" due to my fear if death and wanting to beat it.
For the first time in my life I do not fear death, nor am scared of the after death. In fact this is the first time I feel reassured by death. I ask about my funeral because when it happens, I wanted to know what my options are as a buddhist. But then I came to the conclusion with some help from the posts maybe I should allow my wife to have a catholic funeral for me! Why? Well she is catholic, and if this helps her deal with my passing, and gives her peace isn't that the selfless thing to do? Give her the peace she deserves rather than worrying about my self and what I want.
Anyhow must go will respond more when home from work!
Thank you everyone so far!
Love
Me
but yes, he is a little... New age-ish for some...
so no objections from me.
i dont think he belongs to zen, though.