※Translated with Notion AI. (Plus version)
In recent years, I have been attending funerals following the customs of a religion that has been passed down through generations, not by my own choice, due to an increase in deaths among my relatives.
In Japan, there are many religions, but the majority believe in Buddhism.
However, I feel that many people are not deeply devout Buddhists.
As for myself, being a “double” (※Half is a discriminatory term) with a Japanese father and an American mother, I have experienced Buddhist rituals based on my paternal family’s religion.
However, the religions my father and mother believe in are different, and thus, I am confused about how to handle the “funeral”, “posthumous Buddhist name”, and “grave” when they pass away.
There is no problem in conducting each parent’s funeral style, but when it comes to “posthumous Buddhist names” and “graves”, my understanding is confused.
Japan has its unique culture and customs. The “posthumous Buddhist name” could be said to be one of the typical ones.
When my uncle passed away, I witnessed my cousins arguing about the “posthumous Buddhist name”. Since then, I have been unable to sort out my thoughts about the “posthumous Buddhist name”.
Let’s talk about that time.