The Funeral Rite of Buddhist Followers in Long An Province in Contemporary Times

Abstract

Funeral rites in Buddhism constitute a ritual practice that embodies both social and religious significance and plays an important role in the cultural life of Southern Vietnam. These rituals not only reflect the religious beliefs of the Buddhist community but also express norms of conduct within family, lineage, and community relations, contributing to the preservation of traditional cultural values and the strengthening of social cohesion. This study aims to clarify the concept, roles, and functions of funeral rituals in the lives of Buddhist. Based on ethnographic fieldwork data collected from 2021 to 2023 at Buddhist temples in Long An Province, combined with the analysis of secondary sources, the research findings indicate that Buddhist funeral rituals not only meet the spiritual needs of believers but also help preserve traditional cultural values and reinforce community cohesion in the context of contemporary social change.