The Art of Farewell: Master Reding as Your Funeral Speaker and Companion in Grief

Who is Meister Reding? A Life Dedicated to Spirituality and Compassion

Meister Reding, also known as Father Reding from the Honora Zen Monastery, has devoted his life to the pursuit of inner clarity and spiritual depth. After an intensive ten-year monastic training in renowned monasteries in Japan and Korea, he founded the Christian Order Nigredo in Switzerland in 2014. This training, shaped by strict discipline, meditation, and the study of ancient wisdom traditions, molded him into a master of mindfulness.

As an expression of deep gratitude for these formative years, he undertook a pilgrimage of over 3,000 miles through Japan—a traditional alms walk that taught him to live humility and connectedness in every step. Today, as the founder and abbot of Nigredo Monastery in Reichenburg, he leads a place of simple spirituality where God is not sought in abstract dogmas but as a direct, living experience within the human being.

Meister Reding's philosophy combines the clarity of Zen Buddhism with the depth of Christian mysticism and the wisdom of monastic traditions. He understands spirituality as a form of self-cultivation:

The church resides in one's own mind, God in one's own self.

In an era where many people experience inner homelessness due to the loss of spiritual values, Nigredo Monastery serves as a model—not through teachings, but through exemplary living. This approach flows seamlessly into his work as a funeral speaker: Every ceremony becomes a moment of transformation, where pain is not suppressed but honorably embraced.

Meister Reding emphasizes that true spirituality lives in symbols—it reminds us that we are part of a greater whole and awakens gratitude for what is given. His presence is characterized by calm, empathy, and a deep connection to the human, making him an ideal companion in times of grief.

Personalized Funeral Services with Symbolic Power and Individuality

Every funeral or memorial service is unique, as it reflects the life of the deceased—their joys, passions, and the traces they left in the hearts of their loved ones. Meister Reding designs ceremonies that build bridges between heaven and earth: Whether scattering ashes in majestic mountains, by the calm shore of a lake, or in the protective shade of a forest—every location becomes a space for remembrance, love, and quiet peace.

These alternative funerals are free from fixed religious forms and can incorporate elements from various traditions, whether Christian, Buddhist, or non-denominational. The focus is always on dignity, mindfulness, and healing: Rituals invite us to honor the pain, bring memories to life, and find comfort in connection.

Phoenix Funeral Ritual

A special highlight in Meister Reding's repertoire is the Phoenix Ritual, a symbol-laden ceremony that embodies transience and renewal. During the burial, relatives and guests light incense and sandalwood, whose fragrant smoke rises to the sky, creating a bridge between the earthly and the eternal. Like the mythical phoenix rising from the ashes, this ritual reminds us that every farewell is also a new beginning—a chance to carry forward the power of life.

Other rituals can be tailored to the personality of the deceased: Perhaps a silent meditation in Zen style for clarity, a prayer from Christian mysticism for comfort, or monastic chants for inner peace. Meister Reding listens sensitively, understands your wishes, and integrates personal elements such as favorite poems, music, or symbols from the deceased's life. Thus, every funeral service becomes an unforgettable experience that not only mourns but also celebrates and heals.

In his work, personal accompaniment takes center stage. Meister Reding supports you not only during the ceremony but also in the preparation: He takes time for conversations where you can share your feelings and helps shape the farewell to fit you and your family. Whether it's a farewell service at the cemetery, an intimate memorial at home, or an ecological burial in nature—his ceremonies are flexible and respectful, always with the goal that you emerge strengthened and comforted from this moment.

Why Choose Meister Reding as Your Funeral Speaker? Benefits and Voices from Practice

Many families choose Meister Reding because they desire a funeral service that is authentic, touching, and far from conventions. His unique combination of Eastern clarity and Western wisdom enables ceremonies that are open to all—regardless of faith or background.

Compared to traditional burials, his services offer more freedom: No prescribed texts, but personal words; no rigid rituals, but symbolic actions that provide comfort. Many report that these approaches help cope with the grieving process and restore inner order. Meister Reding creates atmospheres where tears may flow, laughter is allowed, and the memory of the deceased remains alive.

Here are some voices from practice that underscore the impact of his work:

• "After the loss of my wife and daughter, who took their own lives, the funeral service with Meister Reding helped me bring order to my life. His calm manner and the symbolic rituals turned the farewell into a true gift. I am infinitely grateful." – Josef K. (85), Romanshorn
• "The memorial service in the forest cemetery for my deceased wife was beautiful and dignified. Meister Reding created an atmosphere of love and calm with his mindful accompaniment, which comforted us all. It felt like a gift from heaven." – H.H., Stein AR

These testimonials show how Meister Reding's work not only enriches the moment of farewell but also helps long-term in dealing with loss. His ceremonies promote healing by focusing on gratitude and connectedness, offering an alternative for those seeking spiritual but non-dogmatic support.

The Planning Process: From Initial Contact to the Ceremony

Planning a funeral service with Meister Reding is straightforward and empathetic. It all begins with a personal conversation—via email, phone, or at Nigredo Monastery. Here, you share your wishes, tell about the life of the deceased, and discuss possible locations and rituals. Meister Reding listens actively, without judgment, and suggests elements that might fit.

Following this, he creates an individual draft for the ceremony, which can be flexibly adjusted. On the day of the service, he ensures a calm atmosphere, leads the rituals, and speaks words that come from the heart. After the ceremony, he is available for further conversations if needed to support the grieving process. This holistic approach makes the process a pillar in difficult times.

Costs

The costs are transparent and fair: A ceremony costs as a guideline 850 CHF, plus expenses for travel (calculated as the distance in kilometers from Reichenburg to the location and back, multiplied by 0.85 CHF per kilometer) as well as a voluntary donation. The exact amount will be discussed individually to meet your needs.

Get in Touch – For a Farewell That Heals and Connects

If you are planning a funeral service or burial and are looking for a funeral speaker who stands by your side with empathy, professionalism, and spiritual depth, do not hesitate to contact us. Send an email to info@trauerredner-beerdigung.ch or visit Nigredo Monastery at Ussbergstrasse 26, 8864 Reichenburg. Meister Reding looks forward to accompanying you and together shaping a farewell that bestows dignity, brings comfort, and lets love work beyond death.

In deep connectedness and mindfulness,

Meister Reding

Abbot of Nigredo Monastery