Gathas for the dead.

[Meitou]

This last week has been very difficult, the death of a beloved pet, a dear friend of my husband's, and today a Facebook friend of long standing.
I would like to observe some traditional rituals and recite some verses to both mark these deaths and honour the lives of those who have left us.
All ideas, suggestions and offerings welcome and appreciated.

Gassho
Meitou
sattoday lah

[Jundo]

Hello Meitou,

We will sit for your friends and their loved ones, and you too.

The Heart Sutra is always recited at such time. The Metta Verses for the survivors would be appropriate.

I might also suggest that you write your own poem or brief prose encompassing how your feel in your heart, and recite that as a Chant too, for it is most powerful to recite your own words and feelings.

Peace to all.

Gassho, J

STLah

[Meitou]

Hello Meitou,

We will sit for your friends and their loved ones, and you too.

The Heart Sutra is always recited at such time. The Metta Verses for the survivors would be appropriate.

I might also suggest that you write your own poem or brief prose encompassing how your feel in your heart, and recite that as a Chant too, for it is most powerful to recite your own words and feelings.

Peace to all.

Gassho, J

STLah

Thank you Jundo, this is helpful and comforting.
Gassho
Meitou
Sattoday lah

[Cooperix]

Meitou,

Heartbreaking, even one sad loss, but so many at once. There are no words.

Bows to you and all who are suffering from deep grief

Anne

~lahst~

[Kokuu]

So sorry for your losses, Meitou.


Kokuu
-sattoday/lah-

[Nengei]

Metta to you, Meitou, and to all who are experiencing loss.

Gassho,
Nengei
Sat today. LAH.

[Tomás ESP]

Much metta to you Meitou. I haven't had a loss for a while, but I do know how it feels like. Best wishes to you.

Gassho, Tomás
Sat&LaH

[Risho]

Metta to you Meitou - I will sit for you; not to be corny - but I really believe our loved ones are always with us even if we can't see them; the true gathas they leave are in and on our hearts. They are here with you always.

Gassho

Risho
-stlah

[Shinshi]

Much Metta for you Meitou, so sorry for your losses.

A while back I was looking for some ceremonies after the death of a friend and found this pamphlet put out by the San Francisco Zen Center.

It is called When Blossoms Fall: A Zen Guide for Death & Dying

https://branchingstreams.sfzc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Blossoms-Fall-Booklet_Edition3-printfinal.pdf

I found some of the materials helpful.

Gassho, Shinshi

SaT-LaH

[Washin]

So sad. Sorry for your losses, Meitou. Much Metta

Gassho
Washin
st-lah

[Kyonin]

Hi Meitu,

Just this weekend I was asked to offer a small funeral ceremony for the father of a student. Since her family is not Buddhist, I kept it simple. I gave a small talk and chanted the Heart Sutra and the Metta Verses, which worked fine for everyone.

Hope this helps.

Gassho,

Kyonin
sat/LAH

[Onka]

Sorry for your loss Meitou
My go to is the Heart Sutra.
Gassho
Onka
st

[Meitou]

Much Metta for you Meitou, so sorry for your losses.

A while back I was looking for some ceremonies after the death of a friend and found this pamphlet put out by the San Francisco Zen Center.

It is called When Blossoms Fall: A Zen Guide for Death & Dying

https://branchingstreams.sfzc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Blossoms-Fall-Booklet_Edition3-printfinal.pdf

I found some of the materials helpful.

Gassho, Shinshi

SaT-LaH

What an amazing and beautiful resource this booklet is, I would recommend everyone takes a look at it - I've downloaded it to print. Thank you Shinshi and thank you everyone for your Metta - that wasn't the reason I posted this thread but I'm very grateful for your kindness.
Gassho
Meitou
sattoday lah

[Meitou]

Metta to you Meitou - I will sit for you; not to be corny - but I really believe our loved ones are always with us even if we can't see them; the true gathas they leave are in and on our hearts. They are here with you always.

Gassho

Risho
-stlah

Yes I believe this too Risho, thank you.
Gassho
Meitou sattoday lah

[Naiko]

That is a lot of loss; much Metta to you, Meitou.
Gassho,
Krista
st