Funeral arrangements and body prep at death.

[Schrödinger’s Yidam]

An old friend of mine that had been a Gelug student back in the day just passed. Her daughter has asked me what are the appropriate procedures for body prep and funeral arrangements, as that had been her mother's request.

[Schrödinger’s Yidam]

For those that are interested it turns out that a shawl of with Amitabha and his mantra is usually placed on the deceased. Reciting his mantra "om ami dewa hri" (Tibetan pronunciation) is encouraged. There is a Gelug monastery in Richmond (the SF Bay region) that specializes in doing pujas for people for free, but of course a donation is always appreciated. They can be reached at gyutofoundation.org.

Evidently they do pujas for things other than the deceased also, like business startups, etc.

[ngodrup]

Usually the body is untouched for as long as possible.
If a Lama, known to the deceased can perform P'howa, that is excellent.
Especially in the presence of the body. But it can be done in abstentia.
There are jangwa practices that can be performed. A fire puja can be done
(if cremation). Also, some ashes can be used to make tsa tsas. There is
also a practice called Ney Dren. Different kinds of offerings can be made
in the name of the deceased.

[KonchokZoepa]

this is not really funarel arrangement but Sur could be done for the 49 days to feed the deceased when he is in bardo..