Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
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Specific ways/practices to help die with equanimity, (less "self") and perhaps even awakening at death-time?
In general all Buddhist practice seems to help with the concerns mentioned in the Title. Equanimity helps with all unwanted, changing conditions (from minor challenges to "aging, sickness and death". Lessening (or even losing) the sense of "self" also seems powerful each day and especially on the la...
In general all Buddhist practice seems to help with the concerns mentioned in the Title. Equanimity helps with all unwanted, changing conditions (from minor challenges to "aging, sickness and death".
Lessening (or even losing) the sense of "self" also seems powerful each day and especially on the last one.
If anyone, especially anyone currently preparing for the eventual laying down of the body has: insights, dharma, experience (thus far)...please reply.
Kyoshin
(51 rep)
Feb 6, 2023, 05:15 PM
• Last activity: Oct 5, 2025, 05:25 PM
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What is it that pass from this life to the next?
A friend wanted to know the Buddhist position on rebirth/reincarnation since we don’t believe in a permanent soul. Specifically, what is it that pass from this life to the next? “Karma” was my reply then. There was a look of disappointment; the answer was obviously unsatisfying. I have seen this que...
A friend wanted to know the Buddhist position on rebirth/reincarnation since we don’t believe in a permanent soul. Specifically, what is it that pass from this life to the next? “Karma” was my reply then. There was a look of disappointment; the answer was obviously unsatisfying.
I have seen this question asked in this forum in some form or another; here (1) , here (2) , here (3) , here (4) , here (5) , here (6) and there (7) .
Looking at the number of times this topic appears, I am not trying to get a definitive answer. Instead, how would you answer this question so that it can enlighten/delight/pacify someone from a non-Buddhist tradition (with some inclinations towards an eternal soul). Note that the target audience do not have a deep understanding in Buddhist concepts e.g. the 5 clinging aggregates. Hopefully, the next time another non-Buddhist friend ask a similar question, I won't turn them off but to **entice** them to investigate further.
(Interestingly, looking at the tag info on rebirth in this forum, it says:
“The consciousness in the new person is neither identical nor entirely different from that in the deceased but the two form a causal continuum or stream”, I wonder who wrote this.)
Desmon
(2908 rep)
Jul 15, 2023, 06:21 AM
• Last activity: Oct 4, 2025, 04:05 PM
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Getting out of a rut when you're sick and dying
What are the teachings and books that are good for inspiring the sick and soon to be dying? If your brain is getting eaten away, what are the best practices for that? Anyone know of any doctors who would understand all this insight meditation stuff? Doctors often seem to me far too smart to be wise.
What are the teachings and books that are good for inspiring the sick and soon to be dying? If your brain is getting eaten away, what are the best practices for that? Anyone know of any doctors who would understand all this insight meditation stuff? Doctors often seem to me far too smart to be wise.
Lowbrow
(7409 rep)
Nov 18, 2018, 08:05 PM
• Last activity: Sep 26, 2025, 04:23 PM
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Is death the sort of thing that is ever now?
Please don't move this to the Philosophy stack unless absolutely necessary. My personal belief in an afterlife is based on: 1. Being indefinite about "what is now?" 2. I assume that "my death" is semantically precise in some way, it's clear what we all mean by that 3. Linking these two, in terms of...
Please don't move this to the Philosophy stack unless absolutely necessary.
My personal belief in an afterlife is based on:
1. Being indefinite about "what is now?"
2. I assume that "my death" is semantically precise in some way, it's clear what we all mean by that
3. Linking these two, in terms of the impossibility of vague identity.
Some people might object to my version of time or death, so while I am more interested in understanding 'vague identity', I cannot yet get started rhetorically.
What's going on here? Which of these moves are allowed in the language game?
user27316
Sep 19, 2025, 03:09 PM
• Last activity: Sep 20, 2025, 01:01 PM
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I am Scared of nothingness/death/irrelevance post enlightenment
I think its essentially the fear of death but I am discouraged/demotivated of continuing on the path of meditation by listening about what is at the end of it. The goal of enlightenment is sounding a bit depressing for me and I am scared of it. Its also the same as my fear of death. I am very much a...
I think its essentially the fear of death but I am discouraged/demotivated of continuing on the path of meditation by listening about what is at the end of it. The goal of enlightenment is sounding a bit depressing for me and I am scared of it. Its also the same as my fear of death.
I am very much attached to my intellect and thoughts. Its something identify with. Yes my fear comes from being attached with my mind maybe? But ultimately its my mind which has to be convinced to continue. Ofcourse it doesnt want its own "death". After reading things about what will happen after enlightenment, I am backing out.
I have tasked the bliss more than once. I know the feeling, its great, its literally the purpose of life. But I am again attached to my mind. Seems like I need an intellectual reason to transcend my intellect.
Shivam Mishra
(111 rep)
Jun 14, 2025, 05:34 PM
• Last activity: Jul 15, 2025, 09:06 AM
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Did Buddha commit psychogenic death at Cāpāla Shrine?
According to [SN51.10][1]: > So at the Cāpāla Tree-shrine the Buddha, mindful and aware, > surrendered the life force. When he did so there was a great > earthquake, awe-inspiring and hair-raising, and thunder cracked the > sky. Then, understanding this matter, on that occasion the Buddha > expresse...
According to SN51.10 :
> So at the Cāpāla Tree-shrine the Buddha, mindful and aware,
> surrendered the life force. When he did so there was a great
> earthquake, awe-inspiring and hair-raising, and thunder cracked the
> sky. Then, understanding this matter, on that occasion the Buddha
> expressed this heartfelt sentiment:
>
> “Comparing the incomparable with the creation of prolonged life, the
> sage surrendered the life force. Happy inside, serene, he shattered
> self-creation like a suit of armor.”
Why did Buddha surrender his life three months in advance, or was it a foregone conclusion? Is perfection of concentration, the four bases of psychic power , mandatory to surrender it? What is required?
nacre
(1 rep)
Jul 12, 2025, 04:51 PM
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Are the Pali terms "marana" & "Parinibbana" synonymous?
I read the following on the internet: > Talking about semantics again. I guess you still didn't learn the > definition of the word. Paranibanna and death are synonymous. You are > just being pedantic for the sake of being pedantic... for no reason at > all. Please discuss this.
I read the following on the internet:
> Talking about semantics again. I guess you still didn't learn the
> definition of the word. Paranibanna and death are synonymous. You are
> just being pedantic for the sake of being pedantic... for no reason at
> all.
Please discuss this.
Paraloka Dhamma Dhatu
(46800 rep)
Jun 7, 2025, 10:20 PM
• Last activity: Jun 15, 2025, 11:39 AM
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Why aren't there omnicidal Buddhists?
So, I'm not a Buddhist, but my understanding is that in Buddhist thought, existence is the root of suffering, and Buddhists seek to end suffering by attaining a state of spiritual enlightenment that, after death, will cause them to cease to exist instead of reincarnating ("Nirvana"). Since this spir...
So, I'm not a Buddhist, but my understanding is that in Buddhist thought, existence is the root of suffering, and Buddhists seek to end suffering by attaining a state of spiritual enlightenment that, after death, will cause them to cease to exist instead of reincarnating ("Nirvana").
Since this spiritual oblivion is viewed as a good thing by Buddhists as a result, and that existence is viewed as a bad thing that causes suffering, why aren't there any murderous Buddhists that seek to bring about this oblivion more directly by killing everyone? You can't reincarnate into a new life if there's no new lives to reincarnate into, after all. Even if reincarnating into animals might be possible, you could prevent that by systematically wiping out all life on Earth down to the smallest microbe.
However, I've never heard of any Buddhist sects that actively seek to murder everybody. Why is this the case, when it seems like "murder everybody" could very easily be a logical conclusion of the Buddhist belief system? Have there actually been these sorts of Buddhist death-cults in the past, that simply haven't survived to the modern day (presumably due to having been violently suppressed by the governments of the nations they lived in once they started trying to murder everyone)?
nick012000
(199 rep)
Nov 29, 2021, 02:34 PM
• Last activity: May 2, 2025, 12:59 PM
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accepting the impermanence of loved ones?
My mother and I have slight issues because she is nagging and controlling (and I impatient). Despite that I love her very much, and I can't stand the idea that she will pass away in a few years; and she will suffer during death and later in a lower rebirth. I start crying every time this comes to my...
My mother and I have slight issues because she is nagging and controlling (and I impatient). Despite that I love her very much, and I can't stand the idea that she will pass away in a few years; and she will suffer during death and later in a lower rebirth.
I start crying every time this comes to my mind. In the moment I feel like leaving my job to go live with her and serve her (*I live in a far foreign country so I see her once a year or so*). Further I think of accepting it as part of life, but nothing comes to mind. I wonder, how is it even possible to be okay with this? Is there no other way but to endure great suffering when it inevitably happens?
I wonder how other people deal with this? Do they all go through intense pain or somehow skillfully avoid it (especially buddhist master's who are not affected by this at all)? No matter how many books I read on Buddhism, I find no solutions to this question. Please educate me, as I think it is one of the most important questions of many people's lives.
Kobamschitzo
(794 rep)
Feb 1, 2025, 02:25 PM
• Last activity: Feb 2, 2025, 07:48 PM
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Can you cross into another dimension
My partner committed suicide 2 weeks ago. I have managed to visit him when I'm sleeping (dreaming) and when I see him everything is normal until I have to wake up and we are both saying how much we are going to miss each other because we know when I wake up he won't be there anymore. This isn't ever...
My partner committed suicide 2 weeks ago.
I have managed to visit him when I'm sleeping (dreaming) and when I see him everything is normal until I have to wake up and we are both saying how much we are going to miss each other because we know when I wake up he won't be there anymore.
This isn't every night I have lucid dreams about a lot of places. I would really love to see him more and possibly just cross over if I can to be with him all the time.
Louise Howard
(1 rep)
Sep 10, 2024, 06:36 AM
• Last activity: Sep 17, 2024, 11:45 PM
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Does the Buddha suggest how the laity should relate to their own death?
Does the Buddha suggest how the laity should relate to their own death? Is there anything about e.g. it being a more extreme version of the suffering we experience day-to-day, that it can possibly end up as something better, etc.?
Does the Buddha suggest how the laity should relate to their own death? Is there anything about e.g. it being a more extreme version of the suffering we experience day-to-day, that it can possibly end up as something better, etc.?
user26587
Jul 28, 2024, 10:05 PM
• Last activity: Jul 29, 2024, 12:40 AM
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If someone at their deathbed feels like they lived a good enough life & don't need anything anymore, does it mean they ceased craving & became Buddhas
If someone at their deathbed feels like they lived a good enough life and don't need anything anymore, then they ceased carving right? Did they become Buddhas? Their last mindstream's moment will not be conditioned by craving, so no rebirth right?
If someone at their deathbed feels like they lived a good enough life and don't need anything anymore, then they ceased carving right? Did they become Buddhas? Their last mindstream's moment will not be conditioned by craving, so no rebirth right?
setszu
(324 rep)
Jun 27, 2024, 10:18 AM
• Last activity: Jun 28, 2024, 03:23 AM
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Talking to dead loved ones
💚Could talking with dead loved ones be in line with the proper practice of the Buddha? If proper practice permits talking to dead loved ones, then what is the proper way to talk to dead loved ones and/or the improper way to talk to dead loved ones?
💚Could talking with dead loved ones be in line with the proper practice of the Buddha? If proper practice permits talking to dead loved ones, then what is the proper way to talk to dead loved ones and/or the improper way to talk to dead loved ones?
Lowbrow
(7409 rep)
Oct 7, 2022, 09:03 AM
• Last activity: Jun 19, 2024, 05:06 AM
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Is this claim about attitudes as you die correct?
I don't believe you can die when in absorption (at least if you are reborn), but tricycle says > The attitude of the mind at death is very important, Buddhists > believe. The less fear and aversion we experience at death, and the > more focus, calm, and equanimity we have, the more likely we will be...
I don't believe you can die when in absorption (at least if you are reborn), but tricycle says
> The attitude of the mind at death is very important, Buddhists
> believe. The less fear and aversion we experience at death, and the
> more focus, calm, and equanimity we have, the more likely we will be
> reborn in good circumstances. Which is why preparing the mind for
> death through meditation is a core element of Buddhist practice.
Is there a reference for claims of their sort?
If so, then how do we cultivate the right attitude, and does it really matter at all, given that results are about our own karma, rather than what happens at the end of this life or even one more life.
user26068
Jun 2, 2024, 07:01 PM
• Last activity: Jun 4, 2024, 12:18 PM
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Someone has an illness which is inevitably going to kill them. Why?
Imagine following situation: A person who thinks of themself as a good person, meaning they are mostly nice to people and act and think almost always morally. Said person is diagnosed with an illness that has no cure and is inevitably going to kill them in, say, a year. How would a Buddhist explain...
Imagine following situation: A person who thinks of themself as a good person, meaning they are mostly nice to people and act and think almost always morally. Said person is diagnosed with an illness that has no cure and is inevitably going to kill them in, say, a year. How would a Buddhist explain this?
I already know about the four noble truths as well as the noble eightfold path. Also I know that one could explain it with the concept of rebirth. But I'd like a more in-depth explanation and I'm interested if there are other ways of explaining it or if I am wrong with the information I already have.
palkonimo
(111 rep)
Jan 9, 2019, 08:43 PM
• Last activity: Mar 28, 2024, 05:59 AM
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Would total annihilation of Humanity cause Nirvana for everyone?
If nirvana is to escape the cycle of Samsara, wouldn't all of humanity being dead meaning Samsara would end? Say there was a total nuclear war and everyone ends up dead.
If nirvana is to escape the cycle of Samsara, wouldn't all of humanity being dead meaning Samsara would end? Say there was a total nuclear war and everyone ends up dead.
John Wants to find the Meek
(31 rep)
Mar 1, 2024, 12:01 AM
• Last activity: Mar 1, 2024, 05:33 AM
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3
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Reunion with the loved one after death and in next life
My spiritual bonding and connection are very strong with my lovely mother who has passed away. We both have tremendous love for each other. 1. Can we be reunited again in the next life? Can she be born as my daughter/son & Can I be born as her son/daughter again? 2. After my death and before the new...
My spiritual bonding and connection are very strong with my lovely mother who has passed away. We both have tremendous love for each other.
1. Can we be reunited again in the next life? Can she be born as my daughter/son & Can I be born as her son/daughter again?
2. After my death and before the new birth, can I get to meet and talk with my mom (as the Tibetan book of the dead and many NDEs suggest you can meet the loved one after death)
Kanad
(31 rep)
Jan 13, 2023, 12:10 AM
• Last activity: Jun 21, 2023, 07:25 PM
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Is it correct view, as in renunciation, or desire, to want to die
I am not asking about depression or suicidal thoughts but the actual aspiration for this life/human experience to end. So of course the desire for material and immaterial existence (rebirths) are themselves two of the ten fetters. I may be incorrect but I take this as a desire to be reborn in either...
I am not asking about depression or suicidal thoughts but the actual aspiration for this life/human experience to end.
So of course the desire for material and immaterial existence (rebirths) are themselves two of the ten fetters. I may be incorrect but I take this as a desire to be reborn in either a material or immaterial form in the form or formless realms, not specifically a desire to be reborn in samsara or a desire to NOT be reborn at all.
There is the sutta of the monk who took the knife and was blameless, meaning he did not desire another form/rebirth so the Buddha did not say that his suicide was unvirtue, (I forgot the sutta name and number) which would lead me to assume that the desire to want to die itself is not unvirtuous.
So what I am actually asking is if this mindstate, the desire to want this life and human experience to end, is it a mindstate of renunciation, or a mindstate of desire for life/suffering to cease.
Realistically the end goal of the dharma is to not be reborn in existence.
Remyla
(1474 rep)
May 8, 2023, 02:15 PM
• Last activity: May 21, 2023, 04:09 AM
4
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3
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Place of death and rebirth
I'm reading about bardos in the Tibetan Book of the dead. I'm wondering how is rebirth dependent on geographical location. For example, if dead occurs in Europe is it possible to get a rebirth in Asia? Is there any decision point for the deceased regarding parents or all happens depending only on pa...
I'm reading about bardos in the Tibetan Book of the dead. I'm wondering how is rebirth dependent on geographical location. For example, if dead occurs in Europe is it possible to get a rebirth in Asia? Is there any decision point for the deceased regarding parents or all happens depending only on past karma? Do we chose rebirth location and parents or not?
aaa
(41 rep)
Nov 12, 2021, 02:26 PM
• Last activity: Mar 7, 2023, 03:06 AM
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4
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Is there any advice in the Buddhist scriptures that would help a leader balance a safe economy with people's concerns about sickness & death?
1. Is there advice in the various Buddhist scriptures that a leader could use in this Coronavirus situation? 2. Is there advice in the Buddhist scriptures that a lay-person could use in this Coronavirus situation? 3. What are Buddhist leaders doing about this Coronavirus situation?
1. Is there advice in the various Buddhist scriptures that a leader
could use in this Coronavirus situation?
2. Is there advice in the Buddhist scriptures that a lay-person could
use in this Coronavirus situation?
3. What are Buddhist leaders doing about this Coronavirus situation?
Lowbrow
(7409 rep)
May 5, 2021, 01:29 PM
• Last activity: Jan 23, 2023, 10:41 PM
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