Introduction

If we are requested to perform a funeral rite for someone who has recently died, we can use this sadhana Heartfelt Prayers. This is a funeral service in which spiritual practitioners gather together to make heartfelt prayers and dedications for the deceased per-son to take a fortunate rebirth. Because it is a Buddhist service, the prayers are addressed to the assembly of Buddhas and other holy beings. The prayers set out in this ritual are only the basis for a funeral service and may be adapted as appropriate.

The power of our prayers depends upon the strength and purity of our intention. In this service, it is very important for everyone to have a mind of compassion for all living beings in general and for the deceased in particular. If we have a genu-inely compassionate motivation, our prayers will definitely be effective.