The coronavirus pandemic of 2020 is undoubtedly one of the most severe pandemics of the modern world. Many sectors of the world’s economy have been hard hit, and everyone’s lives have been affected by new arrangements like mask-wearing, social distancing, and...
It’s hard to know what to say to someone who’s dealing with the loss of a loved one. In most instances, a simple ‘I’m sorry for your loss’ or ‘My thoughts and prayers are with you’ is customary – but it never feels enough. The hard truth is, there’s probably no...
Funeral services and memorial services are by far the most commonly misunderstood terms in the context of funerals. Some call them funerals, while some like to call them memorial services. What’s the difference? What is a funeral? Strictly speaking, a funeral...
No one enjoys talking about death. Yet, it is crucial to give a thought to matters about the end of life. To some people, the way they depart from earth is as important to them as celebrating life. The common decision to make is this: cremation or burial? For a number...
Religion and beliefs are easily misunderstood, especially for a major one like Buddhism. While you may have heard of the main tenets of Buddhism, like the 4 noble truths, other aspects of Buddhism will probably not be familiar to those outside the faith. Even if you...
Dealing with the grief of a lost loved one is never easy. But often, families need to also settle administrative tasks and arrangements for the deceased’s funeral, all while battling their own emotions. Having a clear guide of what needs to be arranged can vastly...
Food is something that’s close to the heart of many Singaporeans. When it comes to Buddhist funerals, however, it seems to be something that is less discussed. Yet, food plays a role in the funeral arrangements and proceedings. After all, the hosts and guests also...
For most people, one thing that surprises them when they have to organise a funeral for the first time is its cost. A 3-day void deck funeral can go at about $6,000 in Singapore, and if you wish to have a lavish one, it will cost more. And often, this price doesn’t...
When attending funerals, there is a set of etiquettes that we should follow to show our respect to the deceased and also to the grieving family. Whether you believe in these superstitions, the fact remains that these are long-held customs that are very much part of...
Grief is a natural response to loss. While many may think of grief as a ‘negative’ emotion, it has its place in helping people come to terms with the loss, and is quite a necessary component on the journey to receiving healing. Chinese philosophers, as well, had their...
