ABSTRACT
This chapter develops through a discussion of foundational teachings of the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni; the Expressions of Death; the way we die, place of death, and timeliness or untimeliness of death; rituals, Mourning and Funeral Customs; and memorial Service. The Buddhist religion began in India with the life of a prince of the Shakya clan, Siddhartha. In more recent times, with the advent of professionals—death counselors, psychiatrists, geriatricians, funeral directors, clergy, and others—whose job it is to conceal the natural process of dying, stigma attached to death has increased and as a result death has become a phenomenon that is encountered at arm’s length. The manner in which one dies, the place where one dies, and when one dies are concerned that occupy most people’s minds. In the Buddhist tradition, the various rituals, periods of mourning, and funeral service are meant to aid someone to understand the source of sorrow.
