Other Services

The Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple’s ministerial staff are available to address a variety of familial or community needs through the other services we are able to facilitate. Generally, these are private services arranged by family members to honor special occasions that occur in their lives and the lives of those around them.

When a special service is requested, we provide guidelines for minister honoraria, as well as for donations to the temple and for other support (click the button below). We are in the process of updating our wedding guidelines, please contact us directly if you would like more information.

Wedding Ceremony

Wedding receptions may be rife with fun and excitement, but it’s the ceremony that sits at the heart of the big day. This is when you make a sacred promise to your very best friend confirming that you will always need each other and build a happy marriage. In the Buddhist tradition, we are taught that the key to a happy marriage is the awareness that “I am not always right, they are not always wrong. We are all but ordinary beings.” Thus, this Buddhist ceremony provides a moment to gain self-awareness and reflect on the truth of interdependence.

During this wedding ceremony, the Japanese tradition of San-San Kudo (the exchanging of nuptial cups) is observed in recognition of the new relationship between the couples and their families.

Funeral

We remember the deceased with gratitude for enabling us to be who we are. As we remember our loved ones, we reflect on the truth of life that they are teaching us, the truth of impermanence.

Funeral Planning Sheet

Memorial (Hoji, 法事)

When death has recently touched family and friends, the immediate experience of the impermanence of the physical body leads us to a better understanding of how our loved ones’ lives continue to work and influence our lives. Traditionally, memorial services for a family member are held on the 7th and 49th days as well as then 1 year after the day of death. Thereafter, hoji services take place in the following years; 3, 7, 13, 25th, etc. These precious occasions are all ‘given’ to us from our deceased loved one so that we can step out of the busy world and recall the truth of life.

These memorial services are not required and families may choose to do only certain memorial services.

House (Land) Blessing Ceremony

Many religious organizations observe this type of ceremonial practice; However, their meaning and purpose often differs. Traditionally we offer this ceremony as a moment to reflect on the truth of interconnectedness: That the innumerable causes and conditions in the past have brought the new resident to be able to start a new life there.

Pet Memorial

We recognize the importance of the animals in our lives, who as living beings are part of the great ocean of life and death. Every April, the temple offers a Pet Memorial Service, where people may bring photos of their deceased pet(s) and offer incense. Please check the calendar for the date and information on how to participate.

Contact the temple if you are interested in a private pet memorial service.