Encoffining Rite Prayer
When the body of the deceased is placed into the coffin (encoffining rite)
Meaning
The encoffining rite is the ritual of bathing, dressing, and placing the body of the deceased into the coffin. It is a sacred ceremony marking the formal departure of a loved one. The prayer expresses sincere reverence and asks for the deceased's liberation.
Offering preparation
Incense, candles, white flowers, betel and areca, wine, water. Mourning headbands for relatives. Carry out under the guidance of the head of the family or the master of ceremonies.
Content
Namo Amitābha Buddha! (3 times)
We respectfully bow to the spirit of: ..........................................
Today is the .......... day of the .......... month, year ..........
The descendants and kin sincerely report:
Our beloved .......... has departed the mortal world on .......... Now the auspicious hour has come; we ask to perform the encoffining rite, laying our loved one to rest.
We respectfully bow to the spirit; please depart in peace and do not cling to the world of the living.
The descendants will see to the funeral with care.
We respectfully ask the Buddha and the Saints to bear witness and to chant for the spirit's liberation to a blessed realm.
Namo Amitābha Buddha! (3 times)