Funeral Rites

This is perhaps the most difficult duty of a clergyperson and a responsibility that many shy away from. Funerals are not usually joyous occasions in North America and can be devastatingly sad and depressing not only to mourners, but the official performing the ceremony. As a clergyperson, we are required as professionals to maintain a reasonable modicum of detachment to provide the family and friends of the deceased the moral and spiritual support they will need at this time.

Aside from the emotional loss of a loved one, many funeral homes and services place severe financial demands on the remaining family members and may add considerable stress to an already sad situation. Your tact, sincerity and compassion will be sorely needed at this time by all those coping with their loss. Your respectful patience with the bereaved may make the vital difference in comforting your clients.

The ceremony provided is designed to help those attending find closure and solace in their loss. It is easily adaptable to suit those who hold a belief in an supreme being(s). Our primary obligation is to support the family and friends of the deceased, not our personal spiritual views. So should you accept the request of a family to perform the ceremony, please consult with them as to what they wish to expect and offer your counseling services to all those who may need them. In many cases, a shoulder is all that is needed.

Good luck.

Rev. Rodriguez

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Peace and blessings to all present and all those who could not be present.

We are gathered here on this day to honour and reflect upon the life of ______________________

Who has left us and this material world behind to enter into the greater universe.

Weep, but fear not for our friend, ________________________ .

(He or She) has no longer to ponder the cares and worries of this life, nor the trials or tribulations of our earthly existence.

(He or She) is finally liberated and now free to become a part of all that has ever existed since time immemorial and all that is likely to ever manifest itself.

While we are saddened by our loss, we must never lose sight of the impermanency of all things.

Whether they be living beings or material possessions,

All things are impermanent.

We are born, we grow old and we pass on.

Assailed by afflictions, we discover Dharma; and find the way to liberation. Thank you, evil forces!

When sorrows invade the mind, we discover Dharma; and find lasting happiness. Thank you, sorrows!

Through harm caused by spirits we discover Dharma; and find fearlessness. Thank you, ghosts and demons!

Through people's hate we discover Dharma; and find benefits and happiness. Thank you, those who hate us!

Through cruel adversity, we discover Dharma; and find the unchanging way. Thank you, adversity!

Through being impelled to by others, we discover Dharma; and find the essential meaning. Thank you, all who drive us on!

We dedicate our merit to you all, to repay your kindness

This life, we must know is as the tiny splash of a raindrop.

A thing of beauty that disappears as it comes into being.

Our dear friend was a thing of beauty as are we all.

And if for no other reason that is why we must honour ___________________________ with our thoughts, our memories

And from this moment forward, our kind words and deeds to all whom we encounter.

In this way we shall honour our friend, all living things and ourselves as things of beauty.

By doing this we are truly honouring our loved one

And cherishing (his or her) memory; and the gift that was offered to us by their presence in our own lives.

A moment of silence please.

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May all here find peace with themselves and all we meet from hereafter.