Death and Dying in Buddhist Cultures

Abstract

A classic vignette from the Buddha’s life story describes his first excursion beyond the palace wall and his disturbing encounter with sickness, old age, and death. During his many years as a teacher, he returned to the theme of death and impermanence again and again, to remind his followers to pursue the path to liberation with diligence. He taught them myriad ways to prepare for death and how to free themselves from birth and death altogether. As the Buddha’s teachings spread beyond India, the central principles and practices endured, while a variety of death rituals developed in response to culture, geography, and philosophical inclinations. In all Buddhist communities, practitioners engage in wholesome activities on behalf of their deceased loved ones in hopes of ensuring their fortunate rebirth. The contemporary adaptations of Buddhism reflect these rich traditions while confronting new concerns, including bioethics, environmental ethics, and epidemics. This chapter summarizes Buddhist perspectives on dying, death, and related dilemmas.