Learning About Death and Dying in the Eastern Traditions

Death is one outcome of life that we all share. All the world’s religions and spiritual traditions have something to say about the meaning of death in our lives. An afterlife may exist as a matter of faith. Unless one dies by suicide, or takes part in physician-assisted dying where that is allowed in the world, the timing of death and dying is unknown. Clearly, at my own advanced age, it is on the horizon. As a psychiatrist, I have learned that intermittent processing of one’s death helps to reduce death anxiety. One reminder of death in Judaism is the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur when one is thought to be put into the “Book of Life”—or not. Though my particular Jewish religion and spirituality offer a general perspective on death and dying, there are many others to consider, including the other Abrahamic monotheistic religions of Christianity and Islam. Specifically, in the context of this book, the so-called Eastern religions and spirituality can offer other approaches for all to consider. Here is what I have learned so far, rightly or wrongly, in my Eastern journey and search for knowledge.