Soka funerals are held by families who practise Nichiren Buddhism with Soka Gakkai Singapore (SGS); some older accounts on its website use the initials SSA. A Soka funeral is centred on chanting, and each family’s wishes shape the details, so treat this as a general guide and speak to SGS and your funeral director about your own plans.
What usually happens
The heart of a Soka funeral is the same practice members follow every day. SGS describes this as chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and reciting two chapters of the Lotus Sutra, Chapter Two and Chapter 16, a practice called gongyo. At the wake and the funeral service, family and fellow members typically gather to chant for the deceased.
SGS has a Ceremony Department that handles funeral services. Its funeral and columbarium services are open to SGS members and their immediate next of kin, and families can reach it through the enquiry line or email listed on the SGS website. Let your funeral director know early that you would like Soka rites, so they can plan the wake setup and timings with SGS.
The wake
The wake may be held at a void deck, a funeral parlour or the family home. Fellow members may visit to chant and pray with the family, and SGS members have written about how much comfort this support gave their relatives during the wake.
There is no fixed number of days. If the wake will run more than seven days after the death, NEA requires prior written permission. For a void deck wake, see our guide to holding a wake at a void deck.
Cremation and ashes
After the funeral service, the casket is taken to the crematorium. NEA runs Mandai Crematorium and Mandai North Crematorium, and your funeral director usually books the slot and applies for the permit. Burial at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery is also possible. See cremation or burial for how each works.
SGS runs a columbarium, the An-Le Memorial Hall at Senja Soka Centre, designed around the practice of Nichiren Buddhism. Niches are for SGS members and their immediate next of kin, who agree to its rules on use. Ashes can also go to a government or private columbarium, or be scattered at NEA’s inland gardens or a designated site at sea.
What a Soka funeral costs
Most Soka funeral packages in Singapore cost between about $4,600 and $8,900 for a 3-day wake. A direct cremation without a wake starts from about $1,900. The price mainly depends on the number of wake days, where the wake is held, the casket and extras such as catering. Compare the listed packages above, then ask two or three directors for a full written quote.
If you are attending a Soka wake
- What to wear: simple, darker or muted clothes.
- During the chanting: Soka members chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for the deceased. Visitors of any faith are welcome to sit quietly or join in.
- Condolence money: many families accept a white envelope with a cash gift. Follow the family’s lead.
What to ask a funeral director
- Have you arranged Soka funerals before, and will you coordinate with SGS?
- Does the package include a wake setting suitable for Soka rites?
- How many days of wake does the price assume?
- Is the cremation booking included, and will you help with the niche?