How to express condolence to a buddhist friend?

by Lauris

(australia)

How to express condolence to a buddhist friend?

Hello Lauris,

Since you do not tell me the origin of your friend or even what form of Buddhism they practice, it is difficult for me to answer your question.

If your friend is Australian-born and raised, like you) chances are that the way you would do for anyone else is the proper way. Condolences are really something cultural more than religious.

In Japan, funerals are different. I wrote a page on Japanese Buddhist funerals a while ago. you can find it here: Japanese funerals

Basically, the way to offer ones condolences in Japan is to say a ritualized sentence: ご愁傷様です (gosyuusyousama desu)which literally means your sorrow is great.

Then there is a wake held by the family and the next day (normally) there will be funerals where guests will bring money in an envelop to help pay for the funerals and the Buddhist service.

If you have any other questions, please post them in the comment section below.

Hugo