The 49 Day Ceremony: A Buddhist Funeral

When a Buddhist practitioner dies, in addition to a funeral service that usually occurs on the 3rd or 7th day, there is a 49 Day Ceremony. Mourners may also gather to perform ceremonies after 100 days and on the one-year anniversary of the person’s death. Join Chaplain Alley Smith in an educational and discussion group to explore the 49 Day Ceremony and common practices therein.

This program is open to all levels of experience. Bring a journal for writing and reflecting and your mala beads.

This live session will include:
— What is a Buddhist funeral?
— What is the 49 Day Ceremony?
— What are common observances/practices during the 49 Days?
— How do I prepare for my own death and ceremony?
— How can the sangha help me?
— How can I help the deceased? …and more

What You Will Gain:
— A understanding of the 49 Day Ceremony: rites, rituals & practices
— An opportunity to discuss your own death care plans and final wishes
— An opportunity to explore end-of-life spiritual care
— An opportunity to practice in the comforts of your own home and/or practice space
— Q&A with Chaplain Alley and Death Doula, Meli-Tashi Happy

Click here to Learn More & Register

About the Teachers:  

Alley Smith is an ordained Buddhist Minister of Religion (Chaplain) in the Shambhala Lineage. She also holds precepts in Zen Buddhism. She specializes in spiritual care, mortuary affairs and as a funeral clergy. Alley has been a student of Shambhala Buddhism and Zen since 1999.  She currently hosts, “Making Friends with Death & Dying: Support Group” with Shambhala Online.

Meli-Tashi Happy is the End-of-Life Coordinator for Seattle Shambhala Center, a death doula, and somatic educator. Her Buddhist path began in 1997 in the Zen tradition, and in 2007 she found the Shambhala teachings. She’s taken Refuge and Bodhisattva Vows, and is a vajrayana student. She helps foster ‘community death care’ education and connections.

COST: Free! Donations welcome.

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