How Soka Funerals Differ from Traditional Buddhist Funerals

Soka Gakkai Buddhism is based on the teachings of the 13th-century Japanese monk Nichiren, who emphasized the power of chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, the title of the Lotus Sutra. Central to Soka Gakkai beliefs is the idea that life and death are interconnected and that each individual possesses the potential for enlightenment in this lifetime.

This view of life and death shapes Soka Gakkai’s approach to funerals. While traditional Buddhist funerals often focus on helping the deceased achieve a peaceful rebirth, Soka funerals emphasize the continuation of life’s mission and the positive influence that the deceased has left behind. This reflects the community’s core belief in personal empowerment and the transformative power of chanting, which is seen as a way to ensure both the deceased’s and the mourners’ happiness.

One of the most notable differences between Soka funerals and traditional Buddhist funerals is the type of chanting performed. While many traditional Buddhist funerals feature the chanting of sutras like the Heart Sutra or the Amitabha Sutra, Soka Gakkai members chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo as the primary prayer.

This chant is believed to unlock the individual’s innate Buddha nature and provide peace and clarity, both for the deceased and for the family. In a Soka funeral, chanting may be led by fellow Soka Gakkai members and often continues throughout the ceremony, creating a supportive and uplifting atmosphere.

For Soka Gakkai Buddhists, Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo is not only a means of prayer but also an affirmation of life’s potential, even in the face of death. It serves as a way to celebrate the deceased’s accomplishments and encourage the mourners to continue striving toward enlightenment in their own lives.

Another key difference between Soka funerals and traditional Buddhist funerals is the tone of the ceremony. Traditional Buddhist funerals, particularly in Mahayana traditions, often focus on the impermanence of life and the cycle of death and rebirth. These funerals can have a somber tone, as the family mourns the loss of their loved one while praying for their peaceful rebirth.

In contrast, Soka Gakkai funerals are more focused on celebrating the deceased’s life and their contributions to the happiness and well-being of others. The funeral is seen as an opportunity to reflect on the deceased’s personal victories and their dedication to practicing and sharing the teachings of Nichiren Buddhism.

Rather than focusing on sorrow or loss, Soka Gakkai funerals emphasize hope and the continuation of the deceased’s influence through the lives of their family, friends, and community. This positive reflection aligns with the Soka Gakkai belief in creating value (kosen-rufu) and spreading happiness and peace through the practice of chanting.

Traditional Buddhist funerals often involve a series of elaborate rituals, such as the offering of incense, prayers by monks, and the recitation of sutras. These rituals are meant to honor the deceased and help them achieve a favorable rebirth. In some traditions, symbolic items such as flowers, candles, and Buddha images are used to create a sacred space during the funeral.

In contrast, Soka funerals are relatively simple, with few rituals or symbolic items. The focus is primarily on chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo and reflecting on the deceased’s life. While there may be offerings of flowers, the use of incense and other traditional symbols is minimal. This simplicity reflects the Soka Gakkai belief that the power of prayer lies in the heart and mind of the individual, rather than in external rituals or objects.

Soka Gakkai International has a large following in Singapore, and Soka funerals are a common practice within the community. These funerals are typically held in private or community spaces, where members of the Soka Gakkai community gather to chant and offer support to the grieving family.

In keeping with Soka Gakkai’s emphasis on personal empowerment and community, the funeral is often a collaborative event, with friends and fellow practitioners playing an active role in the ceremony. This sense of community helps create an uplifting atmosphere, even in the face of loss.

Soka funerals differ from traditional Buddhist funerals in their focus on celebrating life and the power of chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo. While traditional funerals emphasize rituals to aid the deceased’s journey to a favorable rebirth, Soka funerals highlight the deceased’s positive influence and encourage an optimistic view of death. In Singapore, where Soka Gakkai has a strong presence, these funerals reflect the community’s core beliefs about life, death, and the transformative potential of Buddhist practice.