Death and Dying in Buddhism

by Edward G Horner

Overview

No human being, animal, plant nor smallest microbe manages to escape death.  it's the ultimate end for every now living or that were will live.  There is no "cure" and no avoiding it, but from a Buddhist perspective, suffering over this inevitability is something we can reduce and maybe even sidestep.

In Death and dying, Horner gives up hope that we can shake off the fear of death and bring a clear mind to the process.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781777153960
Publisher:	Canadian Outdoor Press
Publication date:	06/10/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	114
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Horner has been a practising Buddhist, in the Theravada tradition, since 2003 and enjoys talking and writing about his experiences and ideas. He has been hiking, skiing and paddling throughout Ontario and Alberta for over 50 years. He's an avid photographer, cyclist and keen outdoor enthusiast. He founded Friends of Dieppe Park and is a past member of the Harbourfront Parks and Open Space Project, in Toronto. 
Horner lives in Toronto, Canada.

Table of Contents

Forward    1


Introduction    5


Who Is Buddhist?    13


1. The Three Gems    14

2. The Five Moral Precepts    15

3. The Four Seals    15


What is Suffering?    17


1. The Suffering of Suffering    18

2. The Suffering of Loss    18

3. All Pervasive Suffering    19


Impermanence    20


What is Death?    23


Who Dies?    24


Is My Hand Alive?    25


Threat to Ego    28


The Four Fears    31

1. 
Fear of Losing our Physical Senses    32

2. Fear of Loss of the Body    33
3. 
Fear of Losing Confidence in the Dharma    34
4. 
Fear of the Consequences of Karma    34


Loosening Ego's Grip    37

1. 
The Effect of Meditation on Ego    41
2. 
Vipassana Meditation    42
 
3. Samatha Meditation    42


Meditations on Death    45


1. The Inevitability of Death    46
2. 
Uncertainty of the Time of Death    48

3. Spirituality Can Help at the Time of Death    51


Rebirth    55


When Death is Near    59


Upon Death    65


Funeral Rites and Ceremonies    66
 

1. A Verse for Contemplation on the Impermanence of All Life    71

2. Memorial Service    73


Final Thoughts    75


Glossary    77


About the Author    97