How does Buddhism deal with death?

How does Buddhism deal with death?

Author: Nicholas Bright Haight January 15, 2022 Duration: 19:04

Bright on Buddhism Episode 16 - How does Buddhism deal with death? What are some of the doctrines surrounding death? How do they play out in ritual and practice?

Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religions: Buddhism; Chan Master Sheng Yen: Orthodox Chinese Buddhism; Nagarjuna: Verses of The Middle Way (The Madhyamakarika); Conze, Edward, trans. The Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines and Its Verse Summary. Bolinas, CA: Four Seasons Foundation, 1973.; The Bodhisattva Vow: A Practical Guide to Helping Others, page 1, Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1995) ISBN 978-0-948006-50-0; Flanagan, Owen (2011-08-12). The Bodhisattva's Brain: Buddhism Naturalized. MIT Press. p. 107. ISBN 978-0-262-29723-3.; Williams, Paul, Mahayana Buddhism: The Doctrinal Foundations, Routledge, 2008, pp. 195–196.; Blum, Mark. “Death.” In Encyclopedia of Buddhism. Vol. 1. Edited by Robert E. Buswell Jr., (New York: Macmillan Reference USA, 2004), pp. 203-210.; Cuevas, Bryan J., and Jacqueline Stone, eds.The Buddhist Dead: Practices, Discourses and Representations, (Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 2007); Walshe, Maurice, trans. “The Great Passing,” (Mahaparinibbana Sutta), in Thus Have I Heard. The Long Discourses of the Buddha (Digha Nikaya), 231-277 Strong, John. “The Buddha’s Funeral,” In The Buddhist Dead: Practices, Discourses and Representations, (Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 2007), pp. 32-59. Bechert, Heinz. "Buddha, Life of the." In Encyclopedia of Buddhism, edited by Robert E. Buswell, Jr., Vol. 1. (New York: Macmillan Reference USA, 2004), pp. 82-88.; Jacqueline Stone, Right Thoughts at the Last Moment, (Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 2016); Mariko Namba. “The Structure of Japanese Buddhist Funerals.” In Death and the Afterlife in Japanese Buddhism. (Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 2009), pp. 247-285

Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by tweeting to us @BrightBuddhism, emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com, or joining us on our discord server, Hidden Sangha https://discord.gg/tEwcVpu!

Credits:

Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-Host

Proven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host


Nicholas Bright Haight brings his academic background and personal curiosity to each episode of Bright On Buddhism. As a scholar of East Asian Buddhism currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Religion, with a specialization in pre-modern Japanese Buddhist architecture, Nick approaches these conversations with both depth and accessibility. The discussions unfold in a relaxed, question-and-answer style, making often complex philosophical and historical ideas feel approachable and immediately relevant. You’ll hear explorations that draw from his specific research areas, like Japanese Buddhist historical responses to cultural shifts, while also addressing the broader, timeless questions at the heart of the tradition. This isn’t a formal lecture series, but rather a thoughtful dialogue meant for anyone with an interest in how these ancient teachings intersect with modern life. The Bright On Buddhism podcast creates a space where scholarly insight meets casual conversation, demystifying topics without losing their profound essence. Whether you're well-versed in Buddhist thought or just beginning to explore spirituality and religion, these episodes offer a grounded and informative perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 252

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