Expert: Joe McSorley - 11/2/2004

Question
I am studying at college and have been given this category to research, whilst i have found some literature on the subject I would appreciate any insight or knowledge that you may be able to help me with.  If you could let me know how you would care for a dying, practicing bhuddist both physically and spiritually I would be thankful.  
                  yours sincerely
                        Dawn

Answer
Dear Dawn,
  These types of questions are difficult to answer because they assume that there is one type of Buddhist philosophy.  Buddhism varies greatly from sect to sect and culture to culture, though for most, death is a process of transition from one state to another. In the Tibetan form of Buddhism there is an elaborate process leading up to death and certain sutras and lines recited at the time of death to help the reincarnation process.  This is detailed in the “Tibetan Book of the Dead”.   The most common form of Buddhism practiced is Theravada and it varies from culture to culture.  
Here are two websites dealing with death in different sects of Buddhism: http://www.thaiworldview.com/bouddha/ceremon6.htm
http://www.buddhistgateway.com/community/prayer/articles/F_LIB_PRAYER_HOME_TIBET...
 In Zen, however, these rituals do not exist.  The entire process of life and death is seen as a construct of the human mind that must be broken through.  To overcome this is to see that life and death are mutually defining and that the true nature of self is unborn and undying.
 I hope this helps you, take care,
         Joe