Are Buddhists cremated or buried?

Cremation is the most common choice in most Buddhist traditions, following the example of the Buddha, who was cremated. Burial is also permitted, and practice varies by culture and school — Tibetan, Theravada, Zen, and Pure Land communities each have their own customs. There is no single rule, so the family's tradition and the temple's guidance decide.

How long after death is a Buddhist funeral?

It varies widely. Some families hold the service within a few days; others observe a period of chanting and prayer that can extend to seven days or longer, reflecting the belief in a transitional period (the bardo in Tibetan tradition) of up to 49 days. Memorial observances often continue at intervals — commonly the 7th, 49th, and 100th day, and the first anniversary.

What should I wear to a Buddhist funeral?

Modest, subdued clothing is appropriate. White is the traditional color of mourning in many Asian Buddhist cultures, so avoid bright colors and red in particular. Quiet, respectful behavior, removing shoes if entering a temple space, and following the family's lead on bowing or offering incense are all welcome.

What happens at a Buddhist funeral?

By Karl-Gustav Kallasmaa

Published September 2025 · Updated June 2026 · 8 min read

Buddhist funerals vary by tradition, but most share calm chanting, merit-making for the deceased, and a focus on a peaceful transition. Cremation is common, and timelines run from days to weeks.

The short answer

Buddhism spans many cultures and schools — Theravada, Mahayana, Zen, Pure Land, Tibetan and more — so there is no single Buddhist funeral. What they share is a calm focus: helping the person who has died move toward a peaceful rebirth or release, and generating merit on their behalf through chanting, offerings, and good deeds. Cremation is the most common final step, echoing the Buddha's own cremation.

Customs differ a great deal by tradition

Tibetan, Theravada, Zen, and Pure Land communities each have their own rites and timelines. Treat this as a general overview — the family's temple or teacher is the right source for the specific practices they follow.

The wake and chanting

Before the funeral, the body is often kept for a viewing while monks or family members chant sutras. The atmosphere is meant to be serene rather than distraught, because a calm mind is believed to help the deceased's transition. Families may keep a quiet, steady presence and avoid loud displays of grief in the room with the body.

Merit-making for the deceased

A central idea is transferring merit to the person who died — through chanting, offering food and robes to monks, lighting incense and candles, and acts of generosity in their name. These are understood to support a favorable rebirth, and they give mourners something constructive to do with their grief.

The funeral and cremation

The service itself usually centers on chanting led by monks, reflections on impermanence, and offerings. Cremation is the most common final step, echoing the Buddha's own cremation, though burial is also accepted. The ashes may be kept, enshrined, or scattered according to the family's tradition.

Ongoing observances

Mourning does not end at the funeral. Many traditions mark specific days afterward with further chanting and merit-making. In Tibetan Buddhism the 49 days reflect the bardo, the transitional state between death and rebirth, often counted in seven seven-day cycles:

A common pattern of post-funeral observances. The specific days and meaning vary widely by school and culture.
Marker	When	What happens
7th day	One week after death	Chanting and merit-making for the deceased
49th day	End of the bardo (Tibetan)	A significant observance as rebirth is believed to occur
100th day	About three months	Further remembrance and offerings
Anniversary	Each year	Annual chanting and merit-making

Planning a Buddhist funeral

Ask the family's temple which school's customs apply — practices differ a lot.
Confirm whether monks will lead chanting, and where — home, funeral home, or temple.
Plan for cremation in most cases, and ask about timing for any extended chanting period.
Wear modest, subdued clothing; white is traditional mourning attire in many Asian Buddhist cultures.

Your rights on cost

Whatever the rites, the funeral home is bound by the FTC Funeral Rule: you are entitled to an itemized price list and may choose only the goods and services you want.