Spiritual Care for Buddhist Palliative Care Patients in Taiwan

Facing death is an inescapable reality which has long been a core concern in Buddhism. This chapter focuses on exploring how to guide terminally ill patients in facing life and death issues through clinical approaches in the dying process, based on Buddhist teachings and the spiritual care model in Taiwan. It provides an integrated view of theoretical foundations and practical methods related to Buddhism, aimed at promoting the development and application of end-of-life care and spiritual care. The spiritual care of Buddhist patients involves correct understanding of Buddhist doctrines. It helps in correctly comprehending the true meaning of life, assisting terminally ill patients in facing life and death issues and enhancing their inner spiritual strength. The role of a clinical Buddhist chaplain is not to proselytise but to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, identifying potential spiritual distress. Through the six Buddhist care approaches, patients learn wisdom to transcend death, reducing their fear and suffering with hope for a peaceful passing. Companionship and guidance are provided based on Buddhist assessment at the dying stage to reduce the fear of death and guide the patient along the four pathways leading to a peaceful ending. Thus, the goal of care for the well-being of both the living and the dying can be achieved.