Living in harmony
Taoist teaching encourages balance between people, nature and the wider order of existence. Life is understood as part of an ongoing transformation rather than an isolated beginning and end.
Understanding
Life and the Afterlife
How Taoist and Buddhist teachings approach life, passing and the continuing relationship between families and their ancestors.
← Back to After Life生與來世
One life within
a continuing journey.
Traditional Chinese beliefs do not treat life and the afterlife as entirely separate. A person’s conduct, family relationships and spiritual practice during life remain meaningful when that life comes to an end.
Taoist, Buddhist and family teachings may be followed individually or brought together. Every household understands them differently, and no family is expected to observe every custom in exactly the same way.
Teachings for this life
How we live
shapes what follows.
These three strands of teaching often meet within the same family, each contributing a different way of understanding life, responsibility and remembrance.
Cause and consequence
Buddhist teaching draws attention to intention, action and karma. Compassionate conduct and spiritual cultivation shape both the present life and the conditions that follow it.
Family and filial respect
Family tradition keeps respect for parents and ancestors at the heart of daily life. Remembrance expresses gratitude and maintains a bond between generations.
A change of state
Passing is not
the end of connection.
Life
Daily conduct, care for others and spiritual cultivation form the foundation of a person’s journey.
Passage
Funeral rites offer guidance and protection as the spirit leaves the physical world and begins its onward journey.
Remembrance
Incense, offerings and anniversary observances allow the family to continue expressing respect, gratitude and care.
Ancestral connection
In time, remembrance may become part of the family’s ancestor tradition, linking past and future generations.
Taoist understanding
Transformation
within the Dao.
Taoist teaching sees change as a natural part of existence. Life and passing belong to a greater pattern of transformation, and ceremonial practice helps restore order, guide the spirit and bring peace to the family.
Rites may call upon deities, ministers and spiritual officers to provide protection and direction during the journey beyond this life.
Buddhist understanding
Karma,
compassion and rebirth.
Buddhist teaching understands existence through cycles of birth, passing and rebirth. Karma is not simply punishment: it describes how intentional actions have consequences and shape future conditions.
Chanting, offerings and acts of merit may be dedicated to a loved one with the wish that their onward journey is peaceful and favourable.
The continuing family bond
Remembered with respect,
still part of the family.
Ancestor remembrance is not based only on sadness. It is also an expression of gratitude for the life, sacrifices and values passed down through the family.
A photograph, incense, food or tea may be offered at meaningful times. These acts create a quiet place for reflection and help younger generations understand where their family came from.
The form of remembrance can change with time. What matters most is that it is carried out sincerely and in a way the family understands.
No single way
Tradition should guide
the family—not overwhelm it.
Beliefs and customs vary across regions, temples and family lineages. Hinzen’s role is to explain the meaning behind the available traditions, answer questions and help each family decide what is appropriate for them.
Practical funeral arrangements
Religious guidance,
connected with funeral care.
Hinzen has come together with Everlay through the same people and shared leadership. Hinzen provides the religious teachings, ministers and traditional ceremonies, while Everlay provides complete funeral director services. This close partnership allows the ceremonial and practical arrangements to be considered together from the very beginning.
Explore Chinese funeral arrangements with EverlayWant to learn more?
Speak with a
Hinzen minister.
We can explain the teachings in more detail and help your family understand the traditions relevant to you.
Contact us