In this second of a two part series we're going to discuss Japanese Buddhist funeral customs continuing with the wake.

The next part of the Buddhist service is the wake. The service is presided over by a Priest. The Priest arrives at the location of the wake and is given green tea. At this time he speaks with the family to go over any last minute details. During this time the guests arrive and take their seats on the floor if at the home or in chairs if at a funeral home.

After everyone has arrived, the Priest turns to the altar, bows, lights incense and begins to read a sutra. During this reading the Priest gives a signal to the family to rise and go to the incense urn. From there they bow, offer up some incense, bow again and then return to their seats. After the family members are finished doing this, the remainder of the guests repeat the ritual until everyone has done so. The Priest then finishes the sutra at which time everyone bows at the altar and the wake service ends. Depending on the Buddhist sect that the members belong to they may then chant a "mantra". This is done in unison.

Even after the wake service is over, guests will continue to arrive in order to pay their respects. It is customary and proper for all guests to either attend the wake service, the wake itself or the funeral, but not all three. The family then gives each guest a present to show them their gratitude for coming.

That night the family stays in the same room with the deceased. In some sects a person who is not a blood relative of the deceased, like a son in law, may be asked to stay with the deceased for the evening. In other sects each next of kin takes turns staying with the deceased.

After the wake, the night before, is the funeral service itself the next day. At that time the body is transported to the temple and placed in front of the altar. A wooden tablet with the deceased name is placed in front of the altar. The name is assigned and inscribed by the Priest. It should be noted that the name given by the Priest could be different from the name the person had in life.

When it comes time to perform the service the Priest reads the sutra and part way through gives a signal to offer up the incense. This part of the service is the same as at the wake service, with each person taking part. The Priest then finishes reading the sutra and the people bow as he leaves the room. A representative of the family thanks the guests for coming after the Priest leaves.

After the people leave the casket is sealed. From there the body is taken to the crematorium where the body is cremated in what some consider a rather gruesome service where the body is partially burned, then taken out so that chop sticks can be placed with the body before cremation continues. After which, the bones, ashes and what's left of the chop sticks are placed in an urn and given to the family.