Buddha manifests enlightenment and nirvana, making an effigy a suitable urn for those who follow the path. Whether male or female, each is capable of presenting themselves in the Bodhisattva form.
Jump ahead to these sections:
- Different Types of Buddha Urns for Human Ashes
- Different Types of Buddha Urns for Pet Ashes
Apart from parents, partners, and children, many people (me included) adore their pets as much as they do their human family members. That’s why we’ve included them in here, too.
Different Types of Buddha Urns for Human Ashes
There are at least six different locations for finding a suitable Buddha urn for your loved one, but we’ll get to that in a few sections. Right now, let’s take a look at some of the available options you have for human ashes.
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1. Hand painted urn with Buddha likeness
Artists paint each metal urn individually, which means that no two are alike. On this urn, Buddha is seated in a lotus meditation pose with his eyes closed. A blue marble-like background highlights the figure.
Ask the artist to personalize the urn with the name of your loved one, including important dates.
2. Keepsake golden Buddha
On this ornate urn, an image of Buddha has been laminated, then sealed with epoxy. This helps maintain the same resolution for years to come. Engraved leaves adorn the shiny gold lid, which is threaded for security. Felt has been applied to the bottom to protect any of your surfaces from would-be scratches.
3. Tibetan keepsake brass urn with Bodhisattvas
Only a tiny portion of ashes will fit inside this urn as it’s no greater than the palm of your hand. The brass keepsake has been delicately crafted with Bodhisattva figures and ornamented with two small faux gems. It ships from China, so plan on a two-week wait.
4. Clay Buddha with a tealight candle
Buddha has been hand-crafted from clay and finished with a bronze coating. He’s seated in a common meditation pose, with his right palm holding a cup for a tealight candle. It comes in a medium 1.5 L size, which is equivalent to 6.25 dry cups.
5. Stainless steel keepsake pendant
Small wearable keepsakes work for just a pinch of ashes. Choose from a prayer wheel or miniature effigy representing Buddha or Buddhism. Many pendants and chains offer gold or silver choices, so you can choose what best suits your needs.
6. Creative urn options
If you like unique wood grains or ornate epoxy inlays, look for an urn from an online marketplace where various artists showcase their abilities. But before you purchase, seek out a painter, woodcarver, or wood burner who can add a Buddha to the urn. If your loved one was creative, get them a creative urn to match.
Pro-tip: if the artist can’t work over lacquer or stain, request that the urn-maker refrain from the final step.
7. Elephant in Amitabha Buddha pose
A small elephant-shaped keepsake seated in the lotus meditation pose will work for a young child or infant. While it’s not precisely a Buddha figure, the posture is synonymous with most sitting or meditating Buddhas.
8. Polished Buddha
With a high polish glaze, its mirror-like appearance will remind you of chrome or molten metal. No matter what place of honor it holds in your home, you can rest assured that your loved one will shine brightly—fitting for the person whose personality was larger than life.
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9. Head of Buddha
Because the urn is only a bust or likeness of Buddha’s head, it’ll look more like an art piece than a vessel for cremation ashes. You’ll discover a few different options or versions of Buddha commonly depicted for the branch of Buddhism you follow.
Different Types of Buddha Urns for Pet Ashes
Suppose you currently live in the city, a condo, or rent. In that case, you may only want a temporary solution for your pet’s ashes. Because the following urn choices are durable and long-lasting, you can feel secure knowing they’ll be fine until you get where you’re going.
10. Green lulu onyx urn
Equally as bright as the polished Buddha urn (see above) is one made from green lulu onyx, adorned with gold lettering and depictions of Buddha, lotus flowers, and other plants. Most likely, you will need to ship this from overseas, so plan on at least a one-month waiting time.
11. Modern walnut and metal pet urn
This modern powder-coated off-white rectangular cuboid is eye-catching. The top, bottom, and silhouette of Buddha are each made from walnut, directly reflecting mid-century modern design.
12. Stoneware Buddha urn
Here’s an artist that produces artfully hand-thrown and hand-sculpted urns for ashes made from stoneware. She fires each piece at 2400 degrees so that the urn is durable and long-lasting.
Using her own formulated glaze, she’ll impress you with this Tibetan temple bell-shaped piece of art.
13. Stone Buddha
A stone urn for your little one’s ashes is a material suitable for year-round outdoor settings. Buddha’s likeness would fit well in any garden location as he sits in a full lotus meditation pose. If your favorite spot in the yard is under a tree, look for a small concrete block to give it a perch.
Pro-tip: cremation ashes last for a very long time. So, if you’d prefer your pet’s ashes to co-mingle with the earth at some point, choose a more biodegradable option for outdoors.
14. Wooden urn with Buddha on the lid
For a more subtle reference to Buddha, look for hand-turned wooden urns. If you find one in an online marketplace for artists, you may be able to request or alter the shape pictured. It’s a simple Zen-style with a small metal Buddha figure adhered to the lid.
15. Wooden cuboid-shaped urn
Whether with wood carving or wood-burning techniques, an artist can apply Buddha’s likeness onto an urn. Either way, this small urn is suitable for your little one’s ashes. You can also easily adhere a small brass plaque on the back with their name or nickname.
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16. Cat or dog Buddha
Some artists choose to depict dogs sitting in the same lotus meditation position as Buddha. If it’s not offensive to your beliefs, then these will work well for your cat or dog who just passed away.
Pro-tip: if you find a statue made out of solid wood, search for a woodworker to hollow it out from the bottom. While cork is more eco-friendly, a glued rubber plug will last longer.
Where Can You Buy Buddha Urns for Ashes?
Below are six places where you can look for a Buddha urn for your loved one’s ashes. Whether you’re looking for personalized attention, something in the budget, or a piece of art to honor your loved one, there’s an option listed here to fit your needs.
Online at handcrafted and artisan marketplaces
One of the best sources for finding one-of-a-kind pieces is from the artists themselves. Plus, you’ll receive personal attention, delivery or satisfaction guarantees, and opportunities to personalize the urn that you may not find elsewhere.
Big box or warehouse stores
Box stores are great for one thing: discounts! When they buy anything in bulk from a manufacturer, that means you’re going to pay a lot less for something than if you were to buy a single item directly from that same supplier.
Funeral homes
You’ll find similar customer-centric service at funeral homes as you would at an online marketplace for artists. There, your funeral director can help with finding the right size or material you’ll need for any funeral or transportation plans you may have.
Dotcom locations
Many manufacturers list their products on the company website. This route will provide more versatile selections but may lead to a purchase that’s out of your budget. To avoid this mistake, add price range filters to any of your searches.
Pro-tip: if the location of your search brings you to an import site, make sure to check the shipping times, reviews, and guarantee options to avoid disappointments.
Artist’s website
Not many artists have urn websites, but they’re out there. If you’re looking, you can find some fantastic quality items from well-seasoned artists who can provide you with the perfect memorial urn for your loved one.
Online auction houses
Rather than purchase something new, you might want to choose to repurpose an antique for use as a loved one’s urn. If you have limited options for driving or flying to specific destinations, then online auction houses can help.
Pro-tip: wonder how to find them? Apply a few keyword searches in your browser with quotes around the important must-have words, then click enter.
The Continuous Journey of Buddha
If you’re thinking about your end-of-life planning, choose one that helps you envision the presence of Buddha inside yourself. Not sure where to get started? Log onto Cake today, where we’ve done the research, so you don’t have to.
Sources:
- Amazon. (2021). https://amazon.com
- Etsy. (2021). https://www.etsy.com
- Legend Urns. (2021). https://www.legendurn.com
- Pinterest. (2021). https://www.pinterest.fr
- Urns UK. (2021). CLEARANCE Laughing Buddha Art Cremation Ashes Urn. https://www.urnsuk.com/featured-products/clearance-laughing-buddha-art-cremation-ashes-urn.html
FAQs
What type of urn is best for ashes? ›
Metal urns and urns made from cultured materials are suitable for burial. Cultured materials include granite, marble, onyx or custom blends of resin and filler that have the strength to withstand the underground forces which can cause physical stress to the urn over time.
What size urn is needed for cremation? ›Standard Size Cremation Urns
The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) has determined that the size of a standard urn is 200 cubic inches, but slightly smaller or larger urns are available and range from 175 to 300 cubic inches. Generally, cremations are one cubic inch for each pound of body weight.
There is no burial. In many Buddhist traditions, the ashes are scattered over a sacred spot. This helps you connect to your loved one's memory. The spot doesn't need to hold significance for the world at large.
What type of urn lasts the longest? ›Natural stone could very well last forever simply because it has already lasted forever. Natural stone urns, such as those made of marble, tend to be heavier than other materials.
What is the longest lasting urn material? ›If you are looking to pass down an urn to future generations, metal urns are a great option as they are durable and long lasting.
How do I choose a cremation urn? ›There's a simple way to determine the size of the urn you'll need. One pound of the person's body weight is the equivalent of one cubic inch of cremated remains. Most urn providers display the cubic inch volume of each urn, making it easy for you to determine whether it's a suitable size.
How much does a 200 lb person weigh after cremation? ›Cremated remains resemble coarse sand and are whitish to light grey in color. The remains of an average size adult usually weigh between four to eight pounds of cremated remains.
How long do cremated ashes last in an urn? ›A common question that we find in the cremation diamond industry is do ashes have an expiration date? The short answer is they don't; at least not in our lifetime. It would take around one million years for ashes to dissolve since they are made solely of inorganic material.
Do Buddhists want to be cremated? ›Buddhists and cremation
Due to their belief in reincarnation, cremation is seen as the preferred choice when a loved one dies. The physical body holds little significance to the Buddhist faith, it is merely a vessel for holding the soul. Buddhists also believe in organ donation as it is seen as a good deed.
Buddhist mourning periods last up to 100 days, with services traditionally held on the third, seventh, 49th, and 100th day. Cremation is traditional in Buddhism, but only after seven days have passed. Mourners wear white, and the service and casket are typically very simple and not showy.
What is the significance of 49 days after death? ›
Tibetan Buddhists believe that there is an in-between stage known as the bardo which can take up to 49 days; Theravada Buddhists (from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia) consider that rebirth can be immediate. Those who attain enlightenment (nirvana/nibbana) do not get reborn upon their death.
Are there 3 different urns? ›There are three different Urns, Urn-I, Urn-II and Urn-III containing 1 Blue, 2 Green, 2 Blue, 1 Green, 3 Blue, 3 Green balls respectively. If two Urns are randomly selected and a ball is drawn from each Urn and if the drawn balls are of different colours then the probability that chosen Urn was Urn-I and Urn-II is.
Do urns hold all ashes? ›Scattering urns are generally designed to hold all the person's ashes, which are typically between 180 to 250 cubic inches of ash. However, you also get smaller scattering urns which hold a quarter of the cremains.
Do you need a special urn for ashes? ›No, but a final container for the remains is required, although it can be anything from a plastic bag to an elaborate urn. After cremation, cremated remains are placed in a temporary container.
What happens if you leave an urn on overnight? ›DO NOT leave the urn switched on overnight if it is not in use. It wastes energy and the urn could boil dry, which can damage the element. DO NOT operate the urn without the lid securely fastened. If the urn boils dry, it is equipped with a cut-off switch.
Should you keep an urn? ›Although not always necessary, scattering urns are available to use during a ceremony before releasing the remains into nature. It is perfectly acceptable to keep a portion of ashes separately in a keepsake urn or ash pendant. Simply remove that portion before scattering the rest.
How much does a good urn cost? ›The container's size, style, and material are all important factors in its overall cost. Most people pay $70 to $2,250 for a full sized, permanent urn and $50 to $350 for green burial containers.
What is a permanent urn? ›A permanent burial urn is an urn designed to be buried in the ground. An urn that will not disintegrate when the soil is placed on top of it. If you are burying an urn on your private property, there really are no rules to follow. If you have chosen a cemetery, you must obey their rules and regulations.
Can you keep the urn forever? ›You can keep them in the container from the crematorium for as long as you need. You might keep them in your home forever, or you might decide to scatter or bury them at a later date.
What is the maximum urn size? ›Urns should be no larger than 9" x 9" x 9" (not including companion urns).
Do you put ashes directly in urn? ›
Pour the ashes directly into the urn, or place the ashes in a plastic or biodegradable bag and insert that directly in the urn; and. Place the lid back on top and insert the locking pin.
Do cremation urns need to be sealed? ›Do I need to seal the cremation urn? Sealing the cremation urn is a personal decision and there are no rules that say that you have to seal the urn or that you don't have to seal the cremation urn for ashes.
Is it OK to separate cremated ashes? ›Your loved one's ashes don't have to stay together either. Families can choose to split the ashes of the deceased among the wider family, where the individual families can choose what they want to do with them.
How long does it take to cremate a body? ›The process takes anywhere between three to four hours depending on the power of the retort and the mass of the body inserted. After this step is completed, the cremated bones will come out of the retort and then be processed.
What does it mean if someone's ashes are heavy? ›Ashes are heavier than some people expect
But human ashes aren't the same type of ash - they're made of bone. Bones are made of various acids, minerals, and salts, which means they're heavier than many people expect. How heavy the ashes are will depend on the person who's died.
A 'standard' cremation price will cater for a deceased person up to 300 pounds. A cremation for an overweight person is often referred to as a bariatric cremation.
What does the Bible say about keeping ashes? ›However, it's important to remember that the Bible does not explicitly prohibit or endorse cremation or the keeping of ashes. Ultimately, the decision of what to do with the ashes of a loved one is a personal one, and should be made based on what feels right for the family.
Do ashes hold energy? ›Is there energy in cremation ashes? The truth is, there is an essence of your loved one that lingers with the cremation ashes. While it may not be a consciousness, it is a little of their energy that stays behind, almost like someone's perfume that lingers in the air even after they have left the room.
Is it OK to keep human ashes at home? ›Is it OK to Keep Cremains at Home? There's nothing bad about keeping cremated remains at home. Even though the practice is legal, those from specific faith communities may object to the practice. Some religious faiths, such as followers of Islam, Eastern Orthodox, and some Jewish sects forbid cremation.
What is the appropriate container for ashes? ›A container designed to hold the ashes or “remains” after cremation is called an urn. Specifically, a cremation urn (to distinguish it from other types, such as an urn planter or a coffee urn).
What to look for when buying an urn? ›
Size is the most important consideration when choosing an urn for a columbarium niche. Be sure to find out the dimensions (height, width and depth) of the niche and choose an urn that will fit within that space. Another consideration is the material in which the urn is made from.
Do ashes need to be airtight? ›The ashes should be in an air-tight non-metallic container – ideally just keep them in the container you received from the crematorium. If you plan to put them in an urn, then bring the urn separately for the journey, as some urns are difficult to x-ray and may not pass through security screening if they contain ashes.
Can you put human ashes in a ziplock bag? ›If you prefer to keep your loved one's cremains in the plastic bag, you may do so. Otherwise, you can cut the corner of the bag to create a small hole through which the cremains can be poured. On the other hand, if the cremains are stored in a container, use a small blunt knife to gently pry off the sealant plug.
Should ashes be heavy? ›Ashes are heavier than some people expect
But human ashes aren't the same type of ash - they're made of bone. Bones are made of various acids, minerals, and salts, which means they're heavier than many people expect. How heavy the ashes are will depend on the person who's died.
Ashes have no expiry date
There's no rush on moving or transferring them. You can keep them in the container from the crematorium for as long as you need. You might keep them in your home forever, or you might decide to scatter or bury them at a later date.
As a rule of thumb, each pound of body weight equals roughly one cubic inch of ashes after cremation. It is suggested to select an urn a bit larger than the space, expected to use. Usually, created remains weigh 3-7 pounds and require about 180-220 cubic inches capacity.
Where is the best place to put urn in house? ›Ideally, you want to place the urn in a location with high positive energy. Generally, that means in a home that faces east, northeast, southeast or southwest, the urn should be placed in a room in the northeast or northwest area of the home.
Do you put the plastic bag in the urn? ›Keep the original sealed container intact and transfer the ashes yourself. Simply take the plastic bag containing the ashes out of the cardboard box and place the entire bag inside a cremation urn, box or memorial chest of suitable size.
What happens if you open an urn? ›Yes, it is generally okay to open an urn. Most say that cremated remains are sterile, so you shouldn't have to worry about your health or safety from opening an urn. There are no legal reasons why an urn can't be opened either unless there is a question of who legally owns the cremains.
What happens if all the ashes don't fit in the urn? ›If your urn has a small opening and does not have enough room to house the entire bag of ashes, the ashes must be poured in.
Can you open an urn once it's been sealed? ›
If the metal urn is sealed with wax or adhesive, try to open it by soaking a cotton swab in fingernail polish remover or an epoxy solvent. Repeatedly run the swab along the sealed portion of the urn. You might have to wiggle the lid several times or use a flathead screwdriver to open the urn.