Out of all the things on this earth this is one of the most puzzling of all human experiences for me. I generally do not do very well at funerals but the importance of attending them is very great. When someone dies you never really grasp how fleeting life really is.

I had arrived before my friends and was unsure how to proceed, i’m sure my worried expression was a major give away. However I was quickly welcomed by an older Buddist monk with a kind smile who ushered me into the sanctuary as another someone else helped me to find a seat.

Until today I had never attended a Buddist funeral. It was however very beautiful even through the sadness. It’s interesting that even though I could not understand the Monk who was speaking, his tone, and his facial expressions were able to transcend the language barier. I was still able to grasp the sadness and yet feel the hope from his speech.

From what I know during the ceremony you want to assist the deceased in safe and pleasant journey into the next life. I was happy to be included as I was asked to burn incense for my friend Kim and I hope it helped.

My mom has an amazing grasp on death. She believes that life comes full circle and during a funeral you should embrace your feelings of sadness but she stresses the importance of igniting your memories of that person. I think that is especially true. So to my work family  I hope through your sadness you are able to reflect on your own memories that you have shared with Kim and I’m sure each one will bring a smile to your face.

I leave you with this quote by my moms favorite Buddist nun, 

“…feelings like disappointment, embarrassment, irritation, resentment, anger, jealousy, and fear, instead of being bad news, are actually very clear moments that teach us where it is that we’re holding back. They teach us to perk up and lean in when we feel we’d rather collapse and back away. They’re like messengers that show us, with terrifying clarity, exactly where we’re stuck. This very moment is the perfect teacher, and, lucky for us, it’s with us wherever we are.” 
― Pema Chödrön