Buddhist Columbarium
Our Buddhist Columbarium Halls
三圣殿
Gratitude Haven 永恩亭
永恩亭 (Gratitude Haven), also known as 三圣殿, is the currently the largest columbarium hall at Woodlands Memorial, it is located on level 8 for the use of Buddhists and Taoists.
This hall is watched over by 西方三圣, the Three Saints of the West, who are the central figures of Pure Land Buddhism. The Three Saints of the West are:
- 阿弥陀佛, Amitabha Buddha;
- 观世音菩萨, Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva; and
- 大势至菩萨, Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva
This branch of Mahayana Buddhism focuses on rebirth in Pure Land, a realm where a Buddhist can more readily attain Nirvana. It is believed that once a person is reborn into Pure Land they are on the path to enlightenment without having to be reborn.
This hall has double columbarium niches and family niches that can store up to 8 cinerary urns. This hall also has ancestral tablets.
Bliss Haven 永安亭
永安亭 (Bliss Haven), is the first of our Buddhist columbarium halls at Woodlands Memorial, it is located on level 8 for the use of Buddhists and Taoists.
This hall is watch over by 地藏王菩萨 also known as Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, he is revered for his vow to save all sentient beings from suffering. His most famous vow is:
“地獄不空，誓不成佛；眾生度盡，方證菩提。”
“If all the hells are not empty, I will not become a Buddha. If all living beings are not liberated, I will not enter Nirvana.”
This is why he is depicted in many Buddhist columbaria.
永安亭 (Bliss Haven) has single and double columbarium niches that are dedicated to Buddhists, Taoists and Freethinkers. This columbarium hall also has ancestral tables to meet the remembrance needs of families.
Personalised Niches
The unique feature of our columbarium niches is that can be personalised to your preference. We have a selection of funeral urns that you can choose from, a wide choice of templates for plaques – the plaque designs can also be customised and you can even decorate the interior of niches with keepsakes of your loved ones.
We have families that have taken their time and put in effort to decorate the niches in a way that helps them reconnect with their departed family members.
Buddhist Columbarium Niches and Ancestral Tablets
Our columbarium niches are used to house the funeral urn that contain the ashes of the departed. Ancestral tablets are used to inscribe the names of departed ancestors.
Both columbarium niches and ancestral tablets are used to express filial piety, they show the respect of families have for their ancestors. Both are considered to house ancestral spirits and are ways that people retain both a physical and spiritual connection with the departed.
At Woodlands Memorial, we have columbarium halls that house ancestral tablets, single niches, double niches and also family niches.
Buddhist
Columbarium Singapore
– A Serene Final Resting Place
Featuring modern settings and lush sky gardens, Woodlands Memorial is dedicated to providing a tranquil resting place for departed loved ones. Our Columbarium Hall, thoughtfully designed for Buddhists and Taoists, ensures that all rituals and memorials are conducted with authenticity, respect, and spiritual significance.
A peaceful and spiritual resting place is a heartfelt way to honour the loved ones in memory. It provides comfort and connection for families, reflecting the values and beliefs that were dear to them. Gone but not forgotten, we provide solace and dignity in times of remembrance.
At Woodlands Memorial, we have 2 halls on level 8 of our complex that house columbarium niches for Buddhists and Taoists.
The sky garden has a tropical rainforest theme that has lush greenery to provide families an escape from the urban environment and gives a restorative effect when they visit their beloved.
Understanding
Buddhist Columbarium
Located in serene and spiritually significant environments, a columbarium in Buddhist culture is a sacred space where the cremated remains of the departed are respectfully enshrined. In Buddhist tradition, a columbarium is more than a resting place; it serves as a sanctuary for reflection, prayer, and connection with ancestors.
Significance in Buddhist Funerary Practices
Buddhist tradition emphasises the importance of a calm and peaceful environment at the time of death. In Buddhist funerary practices, the columbarium is an integral part of honouring ancestors and supporting the spiritual journey of the departed. It is believed that the soul transitions through cycles of reincarnation, and maintaining a peaceful environment for the remains helps ensure a smooth journey for the spirit.
Importance of Feng Shui in Columbarium Design
In Feng Shui philosophy, niche placement should promote positive energy, or Qi, for the well-being and harmony of families. The columbarium’s orientation and layout are thoughtfully designed to keep the flow of Qi balanced and peaceful. Other aspects for alignment include the selection of materials, colours, and symbols— creating a tranquil and auspicious space that offers comfort and blessings to visitors as they honour their loved ones.
Buddhism and Columbaria
Cremation is a common practice for Buddhists because this aligns with their religious beliefs.
Shakyamuni Buddha who is believed to have lived from c. 567 – c. 487 BCE had instructed his followers to cremate his body and distribute his cremated remains to be enshrined in hemispherical reliquaries called stupas. This is probably the precursor to Buddhists preferring to cremate their remains and storing them in columbaria.
Columbaria offer a dignified and sustainable way for families to maintain a physical connection to remember their loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Buddhist columbarium?
A Buddhist columbarium is a revered space intended to store the cremated remains of the departed. It provides niches for urns in a serene and spiritually significant environment.
What rituals should be performed after placing the urn in a columbarium?
After placing the urn in a Buddhist columbarium, families typically conduct rituals to honour the departed. Common practices include offering incense, chanting sutras, making food offerings, and reciting prayers for the deceased’s peaceful reincarnation.
How can I reserve a niche in a Buddhist columbarium?
Reserving a niche in a Buddhist columbarium generally involves selecting a niche based on preferences. Early reservations are recommended, especially in popular columbaria, to ensure availability. Call now to reserve a Buddhist columbarium niche at Woodlands Memorial.
Are there feng shui considerations for placing an urn in a Buddhist columbarium?
Yes. Factors such as the orientation of the niche, proximity to auspicious symbols, and the surrounding environment are carefully considered to ensure harmony and positive energy.
Can I preplan my niche purchase in a Buddhist columbarium?
Yes. Many Buddhist columbaria in Singapore offer preplanning options for purchasing a niche. This allows individuals or families to secure a space in advance, ensuring their wishes are fulfilled and relieving future burdens on loved ones. One key advantage of preplanning is the ability to lock in the price, protecting against potential price increases in the future.
Memorial Funeral Group