Ash burial, is a method of green burial, referring to the process where the deceased’s remains are cremated, and the ashes are finely processed. These ashes are then planted into a designated area, covered with topsoil and allowed to return to the earth.
No permanent structures, markings, columbariums, tombstones, or any form of memorialization are created. The goal is to let the remains blend into nature, promoting environmental preservation, conserving land resources, and enhancing the cultural and human funerary practices.
Ash Burial Overview
- The cremated ashes are processed into a fine powder.
- A hole is dug into the ground with a diameter of 10cm and a depth of at least 80cm.
- A powdered ashes is poured into the hole and covered with the surrounding soil.
- Grass is replanted over the area.
- No markers or symbols are allowed.
- Religious ceremonies are not permitted.
- The entire process is completed within 30 minutes, ensuring a swift and efficient ceremonial experience.
* Case study by Dharma Drum Mountain Green Life Park
Environmental Conservation Vision
- Natural Environmental Conservation
- Preserving the natural landscape, maintaining ecological balance, and coexisting harmoniously with nature.
- Utilizing land in a sustainable manner, minimizing the burden on future generations.
- With ash burials, one returns to the earth, nourishing the flowers like spring soil.
- Eco-Friendly Ceremony
- A solemn and simple ash burial process, without any religious rituals, no incense, candles, or paper offerings, and without the elaborate customs of traditional ceremonies. With a sincere heart, we wish for the departed to let go of all attachments and peacefully return to nature.
- Eco-Friendly Lifestyle
- Free from the traditional extravagant practices commonly seen in funerals, it minimizes the use of land resources and embrace a natural yet simple approach. It embodies the spirit of frugality, simplicity, and cleanliness in funeral practices.
- Mental & Spiritual Well-being
- No graves or tombstones are constructed, detaching from all external forms. There is no fear of death, and it teaches people to joyfully embrace life and death. This approach aims to maintain the purity and tranquility of the soul.
Ash Burial Process
Application Process to Xiao En Group
Ash Burial Day Schedule
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
01. What is ash burial?
Ash burial is a process where the remains of a departed person are cremated, and the resulting ashes are finely ground. These ashes are then placed into a pit in a designated area and covered with topsoil. No permanent structures, markers, columbarium, gravestone, or tombs are created.
02. How many person's ashes can be buried each time in an ash burial pit?
Each ash burial pit can only accommodate one person.
03. Can the departed's ashes be retrieved later after the ash burial is complete?
No. This is because after the ash burial, the departed’s ashes will become one with the earth, blending into nature, and cannot be retrieved.
04. Is lighting incense or burning offerings allowed within the park area?
Lighting incense, burning offerings, and other religious rituals are not allowed within the ash burial area.
05. Is ash burial suitable for all religious beliefs and ethnicities?
The ash burial process does not involve any religious ceremonies. Except for Muslims, anyone can choose ash burial according to their own wishes and beliefs.
06. Can the burial site be relocated after the burial?
No. This is because after the ash burials, the departed’s ashes will blend with the natural soil, making it impossible to relocate the burial site.
07. Can a memorial stone be erected for ashes burials to facilitate future generations to pay respects to?
No. The purpose of ash burial is to reduce the use of land resources and not burden future generations, allowing people to have more relaxed perspective on life and death.
08. Can the ash burial ceremony be performed directly after the funeral?
After the body is cremated, the family must make a separate appointment to conduct t6he ash burial ceremony.
09. Can we choose the burial pit location within the park?
No, you cannot. All ash burials are carried out in sequential order, and it is not possible to choose a specific plot.
10. Can we choose other burial customs be observed to go with ash burials?
No, you cannot. The ash burial emphasizes solemnity and simplicity, and therefore does not involve any religious rituals. It follows the principles of returning to nature and practicing a minimalist, clean approach to burial.
11. Can we plant flowers or trees on the lawn of the ash burial site?
No, you cannot. The ash burial site only covers the top layer of soil with grass, and after a certain period of time, the soil will turned over and recycled for future use.
12. If you choose ash burial, do you still need funeral services?
Family members can choose suitable funeral services according to their preferences and budget. After the cremation process, they will need to make an appointment for another time to conduct the ash burial ceremony.
13. Can foreigners / non-Malaysian citizens choose to have ash burial?
If the deceased is a Malaysian Permanent Resident (PR) or holds the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa, they can choose to have ash burial at Xiao En Memorial Park.
Price RM 2,800
Chinese culture places great emphasis on filial piety. The purpose of creating the family cemetery is a traditional practice based on this integral value.
It is from this value that the “Terrace of Noble” and “Garden of Virtuous” parks derived their names.
The Garden of Virtuous is designed as part of two adjacent cemeteries based on the Chinese imperial family garden concept, which provides ample space in a beautiful scenery.
This allows families to design personalized places to commemorate their ancestors according to the needs of their respective family heritage.
The entire cemetery blends harmoniously with the surrounding environment and natural topography, which highlights the aesthetics of the architectural design. The cemetery is also part of a committed effort to establish a park that promotes virtue and education.
Tomb Product Specifications: 26’ x 24.8’
Price From RM 786,800
** T&C apply.
** Price exclude Tomb Construction, Maintenance Fee & Processing Fee.
The House of Perfection is an air-conditioned building that features a statue of Ksitigarbha placed in the centre. All the ancestral tablets placed here, are made with transparent materials, and arranged to surround the statue.
This design gives the impression that the departed resting here is protected and looked after by Kṣitigarbha, who according to legend, vowed to free all the souls of the dead from the underworld and help them ascend to nirvana.
Ancestral Tablet Specifications: 140mm x 325mm
** T&C apply. Price exclude Maintenance Fee & Processing Fee.
Price From RM9800
The [Di Zang Temple] is listed as the most modernised Chinese temple architecture with Feng Shui elements by the Malaysian Wikipedia. It is an architectural hall style inspired by the Qing Dynasty, surrounded by mountains and rivers.
There are 7 Buddha statues enshrined in the temple, and the main statue is the Ksitigarbha.
Ancestral Tablet Specifications: 232mm x 95mm
Price From RM6530
Inspired from China’s Jiangnan Water Village, Xiao En’s Water Village emulates its inspiration source with the arches of small bridges and flowing water as its background scenery.
The design also focuses on the legacy of culture and art to celebrate the vibrancy of life. Xiao En’s Water Village emphasizes bright and spacious areas, with meticulous and elegant decoration that brings out the environment’s serene and tranquil qualities.
Granite stone is used not only for its durability, but also for its simplistic look that creates a bigger impression of space within the Water Village.
A statue of Guan Yin – the world’s only large-scale sculpture work by the Choo Family – is enshrined in the public area, leaving a distinctive memory on many visitors.
Niche Specifications:
- Single 1’ x 1’ x 1’
- Double 1’ x 2’ x 1’
Price from RM 10,800
** T&C apply.
** Price exclude Maintenance Fee & Processing Fee.
Inspired by the traditional courtyard architecture in China, the Quadrangle contains different houses on all four sides – representing east, west, south and north respectively – surrounding a square yard in the middle.
The traditional Chinese columbarium integrates natural elements through an ideal outdoor living space, providing an airy and comfortable final resting place.
Niche Specifications: Double 1’ x 1.5’ x 1’
Price from RM 10,800
** T&C apply.
** Price exclude Maintenance Fee & Processing Fee.
The Peace Memorial stands on a high ground facing the September 1st Martyrs Memorial Monument and the Anti-Japanese Martyrs Monument.
Overlooking a beautiful scenery of green mountains, blue skies, and white clouds, the Peace Memorial is a tribute to our peace-loving predecessors who carried lofty ideals of justice and righteousness.
The architectural design is done in a manner where whole concentric spaces flow together and create a natural control of light into the space. Crafted from the finest materials, this final resting home possess a warm, bright, and comfortable atmosphere.
Niche Specifications:
- Single 1’ x 1’ x 1’
- Double 1’ x 1.5’ x 1’
Price from RM 8,040
** T&C apply.
** Price exclude Maintenance Fee & Processing Fee.
The architectural concept of this columbarium is designed to express the symbology of the Christian faith in a minimalistic and subtle manner.
Built with a method that harnesses free-flowing air along the cross layout of the building, this columbarium is a masterpiece that exudes spiritual peacefulness.
A skylight above the columbarium allows light to shine into the interior, creating an imagery of heaven with a gentle and welcoming presence. The building’s atmosphere is meant to give the impression of the Heavenly Father welcoming the faithful for finally returning home.
Niche Specifications:
- Single 1’ x 1’ x 1’
- Double 1’ x 2’ x 1’
Price from RM 6,800
** T&C apply.
** Price exclude Maintenance Fee & Processing Fee.
The Court of Chaya’s Luxury section showcases the use of Liuli – a type of contemporary oriental glass work that expresses Chinese traditional aesthetics – as unique niche plaques.
No two Liuli are alike as the imagery on each masterpiece possess one-of-a kind characteristics that symbolically represent each departed loved one as a unique individual.
The Buddhist columbarium offer 6 amber-coloured glass work designs, while the Christian and non-religious areas offer 5 transparent glass work designs. Each design is provided in limited editions.
Creation of Liuli is done as a collaboration between Xiao En and Liu Li Gongfang, a Taiwanese art and culture brand.
Niche Specifications:
- Single 300mm (W) x 300mm (H) x 450 mm (D)
- Double 510mm (W) x 300mm (H) x 450 mm (D)
Price from RM 27,000
** T&C apply.
** Price exclude Maintenance Fee & Processing Fee.
In collaboration with the international architecture firm, KIRK, the Court of Chaya incorporates classic architecture with sustainable building materials in its design.
Made with high quality Greek White Marble, the Court of Chaya’s Deluxe section possesses a beautiful elegance. The nature of this particular marble also makes the niches placed here easy to maintain.
In the Court of Chaya, the departed are housed in white marble to symbolically mean that cherished loved ones – now residing in peace – will forever be remembered.
Niche Specifications:
- Single 300mm (W) x 300mm (H) x 300mm (D)
- Double 510mm (W) x 300mm (H) x 300mm (D)
Price from RM 15,800
** T&C apply.
** Price exclude Maintenance Fee & Processing Fee.