ABSTRACT
The conclusion presents some closing thoughts on key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters. The chapter examines the ways in which people from different cultures conceive of death, prepare for death, handle the disposal of their dead, mourn for the dead, and, over time, overcome the sad loss which the death of a loved one brings upon the living. It also examines the range of social networks which swing into action to enable the mortally ill to die in peace and the bereaved to come to terms with their loss. The ultimate aim of life for Hindus and Buddhists is to free oneself from the burden of life and attain a state which is the ultimate goal of human existence. This engenders a temperament of fatalistic acceptance of the vicissitudes of life. The three Abrahamic religions share the same belief in one God and the immortality of the soul who will be rewarded after death for good behavior in this life.
