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Micheal was farewelled yesterday at Springvale Botanic Cemetary in a very simple and therefore deeply moving ceremony by his closest family and friends. Previously this cemetary was known as Necropolis, City of the Dead, but the new name is sooo much more apt. It's probably one of the most lovely cemetaries out there. It's more like a massive botanic garden and it's so very peaceful and uplifting. Ppl go to have their wedding photos done in some sections, and they aren't goth :) I'm planning on heading down and doing a shoot soon. I also need to pay my respects to a few ppl in there.
Mike was not a religious person and he told Noi to do whatever she felt most comfortable with. Noi is of the Buddhist faith. Al did a eulogy which was very moving, then John (mike's younger brother) did the same for Mike's younger days. Steve and Darren, Mike's sons from his 1st marriage, chose not to speak. My parents came, as did Dave's (he's Jen hubby, Jen is Al's sister). A few family friends came and also two mates from Al's work came as work wanted to have someone there, I think Al was quite touched by that.
Once the readings were done, the Buddhist monk chanted. For Buddhists, a funeral is not truly a sad occasion. It's a passage towards the next step/passage to a new life. The ceremony is called 'Gnan Sop', it is an honouring of the deceased life. Although there was great sadness, it is the Buddhist way to CELEBRATE life and that is what we did afterwards. Mike would have heartily endorsed the amounts of beer that were consumed :D
In ultra traditional Buddhist traditions the body is kept to up to 7 days at the house and the monks come to chant for up to 30mins a day. That was not required at this time. A white candle or two is lit next to a picture of the deceased, one stock of insence ONLY for the deceased and 3 for the Buddha, whom was prepresented in pictorial form. The monk chanted for about 5 mins or so, sitting with us in the non-denomational chapel, facing the coffin. After that he stood and placed what appeared to be a stole or similar of that deep orange on the coffin, chanting some more. He then removd the stole, chanted for about 1 min more. He went to Noi where they spoke in Thai for a short time while the rest of us waited respectfully. I have to say that although I didn't understand a word, the chanting brought me a deep sense of peace and well-being. I found myself driting into a semi meditative state and I just felt... good. I think Buddhism is kinda groovy, you know?
Another of the traditions for Buddhism is cremation, in fact it's considered very important as a means for the soul to leave the body and travel onwards. Once the coffin was escorted out (carried by the sons and a couple family fiends) to the hearse, the boys and Noi followed it to witness the cremation while the rest of us headed to Carnegie to start the Wake.
In 100 days the monk will again chant for Mike and will be offered alms, of a sort. This ceremony is known as Tham Ban 100 Wan, during which the Sat Nam is performed (a pouring of water blessed by the monks onto bare ground to give the spirit strength and renewed purpose).
As you can tell, I did some research :) I think it's important if you are invited to something like this to understand as much as you can of the significance of actions etc. I expect it'd be the same for a Jew witnessing a Catholic ceremony of a Buddist or Muslim or Hindu or whatever. Just about basic respect. I also want to understand the culture I am traveling to so soon. What is the purpose of travel if you don't learn about where you are going? How can you understand the people you are going to see if you don't study their history? Whether it's something different like Thailand or a sister country like the States, it is good to know where the people have come from and where they are moving toward.
I can def see why Buddhism is gaining strength in the Western world over the more traditional Western religions. There are no demands to kill non-believers. There is no brain washing. It's based on the simple premise that while suffering is real, it can be eliviated if we try our best to be good people. Good thoughts lead to to good intentions lead to good actions. Sounds like a nice way to be to me...
Mike was not a religious person and he told Noi to do whatever she felt most comfortable with. Noi is of the Buddhist faith. Al did a eulogy which was very moving, then John (mike's younger brother) did the same for Mike's younger days. Steve and Darren, Mike's sons from his 1st marriage, chose not to speak. My parents came, as did Dave's (he's Jen hubby, Jen is Al's sister). A few family friends came and also two mates from Al's work came as work wanted to have someone there, I think Al was quite touched by that.
Once the readings were done, the Buddhist monk chanted. For Buddhists, a funeral is not truly a sad occasion. It's a passage towards the next step/passage to a new life. The ceremony is called 'Gnan Sop', it is an honouring of the deceased life. Although there was great sadness, it is the Buddhist way to CELEBRATE life and that is what we did afterwards. Mike would have heartily endorsed the amounts of beer that were consumed :D
In ultra traditional Buddhist traditions the body is kept to up to 7 days at the house and the monks come to chant for up to 30mins a day. That was not required at this time. A white candle or two is lit next to a picture of the deceased, one stock of insence ONLY for the deceased and 3 for the Buddha, whom was prepresented in pictorial form. The monk chanted for about 5 mins or so, sitting with us in the non-denomational chapel, facing the coffin. After that he stood and placed what appeared to be a stole or similar of that deep orange on the coffin, chanting some more. He then removd the stole, chanted for about 1 min more. He went to Noi where they spoke in Thai for a short time while the rest of us waited respectfully. I have to say that although I didn't understand a word, the chanting brought me a deep sense of peace and well-being. I found myself driting into a semi meditative state and I just felt... good. I think Buddhism is kinda groovy, you know?
Another of the traditions for Buddhism is cremation, in fact it's considered very important as a means for the soul to leave the body and travel onwards. Once the coffin was escorted out (carried by the sons and a couple family fiends) to the hearse, the boys and Noi followed it to witness the cremation while the rest of us headed to Carnegie to start the Wake.
In 100 days the monk will again chant for Mike and will be offered alms, of a sort. This ceremony is known as Tham Ban 100 Wan, during which the Sat Nam is performed (a pouring of water blessed by the monks onto bare ground to give the spirit strength and renewed purpose).
As you can tell, I did some research :) I think it's important if you are invited to something like this to understand as much as you can of the significance of actions etc. I expect it'd be the same for a Jew witnessing a Catholic ceremony of a Buddist or Muslim or Hindu or whatever. Just about basic respect. I also want to understand the culture I am traveling to so soon. What is the purpose of travel if you don't learn about where you are going? How can you understand the people you are going to see if you don't study their history? Whether it's something different like Thailand or a sister country like the States, it is good to know where the people have come from and where they are moving toward.
I can def see why Buddhism is gaining strength in the Western world over the more traditional Western religions. There are no demands to kill non-believers. There is no brain washing. It's based on the simple premise that while suffering is real, it can be eliviated if we try our best to be good people. Good thoughts lead to to good intentions lead to good actions. Sounds like a nice way to be to me...
