Funerals or Memorials

Funerals
Priests and Teachers at Clouds in Water Zen Center are available to help you plan a traditional Zen service, or a service that has a Buddhist tone but is made by you and your family. This can be at the Zen Center or a place of your choice. Email ceremonies@cloudsinwater.org for an outline that will help you plan a funeral service, or email one of the teachers directly to get the planning process started.

Memorial Services
A short service including offerings, chants and a dedication to the deceased can be done at Clouds in Water Zen Center or at a place of your choosing. Frequently this is done as part of a morning meditation at the Zen Center. Contact ceremonies@cloudsinwater.org, or any of the teacher, for more information.

These ceremonies are individualized according to your situation and needs. For members of Clouds in Water, these services are provided completely by donation. For non-members, we will suggest an amount based on the time involved in preparing and performing the ceremony. For funerals, the standard suggested donation is $500 (or $900 if it is to be at Clouds in Water Zen Center). For other ceremonies, we will determine a suggested donation based on $50 per hour of the priest’s time in preparing and performing the ceremony.

At Home Memorial Service Booklet
You are welcome to do a chanting service at home in honor of your loved one. Traditionally, this is done every day for 49 days after a loved one’s death, but you can modify it however you like. click here for a link to a pdf of the booklet.