Olivier’s funeral

Here is all the information about Olivier’s funeral:

Wednesday 30 October in Paris

– 11 am to 11.30 am, Paris time
Open casket mass at the funeral home. A Buddhist monk will be present.
7 Bd Ménilmontant, 75011 Paris

– 1 pm to 2 pm, Paris time
Buddhist ceremony (100 people max.) at Père-Lachaise crematorium. Closed casket.
55 Rue des Rondeaux, 75020 Paris
The cremation will take place after the public has left.

– At any time
Between now and the day of the funeral, it is possible to see Olivier in private. Simply call the funeral home to allow them to prepare him and they will give you 30 minutes.
Tel.: +33 1 55 25 22 11

– Donations
For those of you who would like to know more, here are some explanations, thank you very much.

– Flowers
If you wish, we think it’s very appropriate to provide only white flowers, although it’s not the quantity that counts. White signifies purity and mourning.
For mail delivery, the destination is:
Maison funéraire (Funeral home)
7 Bd Ménilmontant, FR-75011 Paris.
Tel.: +33 1 55 25 22 11

– Messages
For those who would like to write a few words for Olivier, it is possible to bring a private note to be placed in Olivier’s jacket pocket, or a text for the visitors’ book, on the morning of the funeral or send it to us the day before for printing, using this form.

– Scattering
His ashes will then be scattered in a place that is compatible with what Olivier loved, i.e. consecrated places, the mountains and nature, but without being isolated. The next of kin will take some time to reflect and examine the regulations.
We welcome any information you may have.

– Your questions
Here are the answers to some of the questions we have received.

For Buddhists, the body is merely a combination of aggregates, and the bodily envelope is far less important than consciousness. Death is not seen as a misfortune, but as a liberation and allows one to enter a state of peace also known as nirvana. Furthermore, the death of a human being is only the beginning of a new existence because Buddhists believe in reincarnation.

To help consciousness rise, calm, serenity and contemplation are required to facilitate the departure of the loved one to a new existence. The thoughts of loved ones are very important, for example in the form of prayers or written messages. There are few rituals involved in the cremation ceremony, as the consciousness has already left the body of the deceased.

There are traditionally five colours in Buddhism, like the five Buddhas of wisdom: white, blue, yellow, red and green, and beyond the five colours, there is a symbolism of black.

The choice of dress and offerings will depend on your cultural sensitivities. Opt for sober, modest clothing. Black is often an appropriate colour for funerals, but in some Buddhist cultures white is also common as it symbolises purity and mourning. Bright colours and garish designs should be avoided.

Offerings are an important part of Buddhist funeral rites and can include fresh white flowers, which symbolise the purity and fleeting beauty of life.
Fresh fruit or vegetarian food may also be offered, symbolising generosity and spiritual support.

Olivier was affiliated to the Kagyu school, one of the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, headed by the Karmapa. Above all, feel at ease, even if you’re not close to this culture. If your heart is expressing itself, it is all that matters.

The two major philosophical themes for this important day will be:
– compassion, the heart in all its forms being of primary importance to Olivier, and especially the unexplained reason for his death;
– impermanence, which means that nothing is immutable, everything has an end and we must accept this without fear, even if it is difficult to understand the incomprehensible as far as we are concerned.

To contact me: +33 6 60 60 35 44

? Many thanks to you!
Patrice

Trad. : Antoine LAFONT