How to Write a Great Eulogy or a Perfect Tribute for a Deceased Buddhist Friend?

Writing a great eulogy or a perfect tribute for a deceased Buddhist friend can be a touching and meaningful experience. But, it can also be a frightening experience for those who are not familiar with preparing a eulogy, an oral presentation to the audience on the memories of someone who has died.

• Ideas research on:

  • Details of own relationship with the deceased – eg. How did you meet? What will you miss most? Do you have a specific memory to share?
  • Details of biographical facts of the deceased – eg. Age, marriage dates, placed lives, children, hobbies etc.
  • Serious or light-hearted reflection on the person’s life, beliefs, values, character and personality – eg. How does he/she practice compassion, loving-kindness, honesty, patience, love and so forth?
  • Your personal views on what you have learnt from the deceased – eg. The deceased is great in cooking, which you have learn a variety of Chinese stir fry recipe from him/her



• A delivery based on one of the following speech structures:

  • Chronological – tell a life story from beginning to ending
  • Reverse chronological – tell a life story from the present and work it backward to the past
  • Three point plan – tell 3 most important things about the deceased and prioritise the order accordingly
  • Theme – gives examples, anecdotes, poems, quotes, readings and illustrations of the good deeds done by the Buddhist



• Rehearse with another Buddhist family or friend of the deceased

  • Revise the appropriateness of your speech content with their suggestions, advice and recommendations
  • Cross check with other eulogy speakers to try not to have duplicated content
  • Let them have a written copy so they can sttep in to continue your eulogy if you are overcome with emotions or loss of words half way through your speech



• Preparation for the delivery of the Buddhist eulogy:

  • Prepare water to clear the throat
  • Prepare tissues to wipe your tears
  • Prepare to pass on the microphone to a backup speaker if you find it hard to continue



• Delivering the Buddhist eulogy:

  • Aim for 3-5 minutes speech
  • Speak slowly and clearly
  • Not reading word for word
  • Pause and breathe after each paragraph and everytime feeling overwhelmed by grieving emotions
  • Be uplifting and inspiring
  • End with a high note on well-wishes, your prayers and your thanks to the audience For Buddhists, we can uphold the spirit of celebrating death as part of our life cycle, and share it with the crowd. So, eulogy could be meant for a solemn funeral occasion but it is worthwhile to come up with a great eulogy for someone who has been near and dear to us.

A Sample Eulogy for a Deceased Buddhist Friend


The following is a sample eulogy or tribute to a deceased Buddhist friend:

(Name of deceased) Our . . . . . . . . ‘s death taught us that life is impermanent.

“Death is certain but the time of death is very uncertain,” so we must always try to do something good or we may miss the opportunity of doing so. In our busy lives, we sometimes tend to take each other and things for granted.

Our ……. had been a people’s person. He was warm and caring, always putting other’s welfare before his. He performed many good deeds and had many friends who respect him for his kindness, compassion and generosity.

He had done so much in this life through his contributions and invaluable service to the needy community and other good deeds. We know he will continue to touch the lives and hearts of many wherever they may be.

We wish him a good rebirth and at the earliest opportunity attain the Bliss of Nibbāna.

“May you always be well and happy, peaceful and calm.

May the Triple Gem always Bless, Guide and Protect you always

May you continue to learn and practise the Dhamma until you attain Nibbana”

On behalf of my family members, we wish to express our grateful thanks to:

• All Members of the Mahā Saṅgha for conducting the Memorial Service, Chanting and Sermons and Transference of Merits.


• Family members, relatives and friends for the touching eulogies.


• ……… for the dedicated service to the deceased and helping the family in tims of need.

Last but not the least, our all those present, for taking the time off to participate in this service and also to all those who have helped us in one way or another to make this service memorable and meaningful.
Thank you.


Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!