When a Buddhist Dies, for relatives

Main points to consider when your Buddhist relative dies:

The following is based on the Buddhist belief that consciousness continues after the body dies. The first 3 days following death are considered to be particularly important, whereby the subtle process of the mind disengaging from the body is taking place. This advice describes ideal circumstances which must be balanced against what is practical at the time.

Contact the deceased's Buddhist friends or nearest Buddhist Centre for prayers to be said if death is known to be close, or as soon as possible after death.
(Ideal is to have prayers done at bedside as soon as possible, in which case, travelling costs would probably be appreciated)

Please ask that the body be undisturbed for a minimum of 4 hours following death where possible.
Ask the nurses to delay the laying out of the body for as long as is practical

Once prayers are done, paper mandalas may be supplied by the Buddhist Centre to place on the body and coffin.

Buddhists believe that it is possible to help the person who has just died, by trying to maintain a tranquil and compassionate environment around them.
See Simple practices to help the dying, the dead and the bereaved document.

If a post-mortem is required, please ask for it to be postponed for 3½ days.

Tell the undertaker that there should be minimal disturbance of the body and embalming should be avoided if at all possible.

Don't cremate before 3½ days have elapsed