As urban land resources become increasingly scarce, the cost of cemeteries and memorial parks continues to rise, especially in first-tier cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, where grave prices have far exceeded those of residential real estate. This phenomenon has even sparked public discussion about "the living competing with the deceased for land."

Against this backdrop, societal attitudes toward life and death have evolved significantly. Increasingly, people are choosing to place the ashes of their loved ones in a Buddha Columbarium. In recent years, various terms have emerged to describe such spaces, such as "Lotus Position," "Buddha Position," and "Underground Palace." But what exactly is a Buddha Columbarium, and what purpose does it serve?

What is a Buddha Columbarium?

The term "福位" (Fú wèi) originates from Buddhist culture. Names like "Lotus Position" and "Buddha Position" reflect people’s aspirations for blessings and beauty, yet they all refer to the same concept. The most standard term remains "福位," or Buddha Columbarium.

A Buddha Columbarium is a space used during one’s lifetime for prayer and disaster avoidance, and after passing, it serves as a resting place for ancestral ashes. Its origins lie in traditional祈福 (prayer) culture, which accompanies the human journey from life to death.

Functions of a Buddha Columbarium

1. Disaster Relief and Longevity
   China’s prayer culture has deep historical roots. In traditional Chinese belief, a Buddha Columbarium symbolizes the five blessings: longevity, wealth, health, virtue, and a peaceful passing.

2. Changing Destiny
   Also known as a "foundation of life fortune," the Buddha Columbarium represents hopes for a better future and offers spiritual solace. Its purpose is to pray for transformation—shaping one’s own destiny and that of future generations.

3. Housing Ancestral Ashes
   According to ancient records, it was believed that "burial brings peace, entombment in a mausoleum brings honor, and placement in a pagoda brings reverence." Honoring one’s parents is the greatest act of filial piety. Placing ancestral ashes and tablets in a Buddha Columbarium allows the departed to ascend to paradise and bless future generations with prosperity, symbolizing unity with the Buddha.

These spaces are typically built within temples, preserving traditional Chinese burial customs while sheltering remains from wind and rain. They also embody the philosophical ideals of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism: "harmony between heaven and humanity, and return to nature."

Who Can Use a Buddha Columbarium?

A Buddha Columbarium is accessible to everyone, regardless of age or gender. It can be acquired for oneself or on behalf of others.

• Parents may secure one for a child born with health challenges, praying for their well-being and preserving items like birth horoscopes or first haircut mementos.

• Children may acquire one for their parents, expressing gratitude and praying for their health and longevity.

• Individuals may obtain one for themselves, seeking protection, longevity, marriage, children, wisdom, career success, disaster avoidance, or prosperity.

The Rising Trend of Buddha Columbariums

1. Limited Land Resources
   With land scarcity in major cities and rising demand for graves, columbariums have become increasingly unaffordable and scarce.

   Compared to traditional cemeteries, Buddha Columbariums align with the modern concept of "honoring the elderly during life and practicing simplicity after death." They save land, are environmentally friendly, and represent an advanced model in line with national funeral reforms.

2. Burial Tradition
   Historically, emperors were laid in mausoleums, sages in pagodas, officials in tombs, and common people in the ground.

   Placement in a pagoda was second only to imperial burial. Today, Buddha Columbariums are often located in centuries-old temples or pagodas, continuing the tradition of "peace in burial, honor in mausoleums, reverence in pagodas."

   After placement, monks chant scriptures to guide the departed to peace, offering incense and Buddhist prayers to ensure a peaceful journey for the deceased and blessings for the living.

3. Permanent Usage
   In December 2008, draft revisions to China’s "Funeral and Interment Management Regulations" proposed a 20-year usage period for public cemeteries.

   In contrast, Buddha Columbariums are permanent. Temples, as enduring places of spiritual solace, ensure that these spaces remain available as long as the temple stands.

4. Serene Environment
   Temples housing Buddha Columbariums are often situated in prime locations with tranquil surroundings, easy accessibility, and a peaceful atmosphere—free from the gloom often associated with traditional cemeteries.

   From a Feng Shui perspective, temples attract vibrant energy through continuous worship, making them highly auspicious.

5. Managed with Care
   Modern temples equipped with Buddha Columbariums offer comprehensive facilities and regular maintenance. A clean, well-kept environment is essential for both the departed and those paying respects.

   Temple monks conduct annual rituals to guide the departed to rest and pray for the protection and blessings of the living.

Conclusion

Buddha Columbariums have become an essential social need and an inevitable trend. Combining numerous advantages, they are poised to become the preferred choice—and may eventually replace traditional cemeteries altogether.

As China enters an era of rapid aging, demand for Buddha Columbariums is expected to surge in the coming years, accompanied by significant price increases. Therefore, planning ahead is more important than ever.

Sales Manager: Mr. Luo
HuaHeng Columbarium Factory Jiangxi, China