Which tradition of Buddhism we follow

Chinese Mahayana Buddhism

During the Dying Process

In our tradition, when a person knows they are going to die, is there any particular method of preparation that will help them?

* Keep tranquility, good ventilation to the room and gentle lighting. * Constantly reminding and helping the person to have a right thought.

In our tradition, what are good things to do around or for a dying person?

* Have all the family members together so that the dying person can have a clear disclosure of his/her will, including funeral affair, e.g. cremation or burying; tell the dying person that everything will be done completely in accordance with his/her wish. * Tell the dying person all the good deeds he/she has done in his/her life so as to build up his/her confidence and happiness and to eliminate his/her fear of death. * The family members can help set up the picture or statue of the Buddha, recite the sutra or just the holy name of the Buddha or Bodhisattvas such as Namo Amitabha (or use a audio-cassette as an aid) to make the dying person see, listen and mentally follow the recitation of the Budda's holy name continuously so that the fear of death can be eliminated and replaced by peace and tranquility.

What are things to avoid doing around a dying person?

* Anything or anyone that the dying person does not like must not be mentioned or appear in front of him/her, which will make him/her angry. * Avoid disturbing noise, especially voice of crying, sighing or disputing to prevent his/her right thought from being distracted. * If it is certain that there is not much hope and medication cannot help, any emergency treatment such as stimulant or other medical aid can be removed because these can only create more suffering to the physical body of the dying person as well as incurring a huge medical expense.

At the time of Death

Are there any particular ritual, ceremonies or procedure that dying people must do or have done for them before they die?

* Keep a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere and keep a constant recitation of the holy name of the Buddha. * If any unfriendly gesture or language appears, try to calm him/her by proper guidance to reduce their anxiety.

Can you please tell us any particular prayers or mantras that a dying person should repeat or have repeated in his or her presence?

* As above

Is it helpful or disruptive to the dying person to have relatives present at the time of death?

* If the family members' presence does not disturb the dying person, e.g. helping to recite the Buddha's holy name instead of crying or saying how he/she will be missed, it will be helpful.

After Death

Is there any particular way that the body should be handled or treated after death? (Such as a period of not touching it, or not touching particular parts of the body?)

* Try not to move or touch the body of the dying person and the same applies during the few hours immediately after his/her death is confirmed.

Is it acceptable in our tradition to have an autopsy conducted if there is some uncertainty as the cause of death?

* It is acceptable.

Is it acceptable to use parts of the body for organ donation?

* If the dying person has a proper understanding of organ donation as well as its benefit to other people and wishes to establish a good affiliation by offering his/her organ, it is acceptable.

What is our preferred method of disposal of the body?

* Cremation is more convenient and hygienic than any other methods.

What is the most beneficial thing to do for a person after they have died?

* It is most beneficial to donate the deceased's property to benevolent institutions to benefit the society in any aspects of religion, culture, education and other charities.

* please note that the above information is for your refernence only.