Buddhist Wisdom on Managing End of Life
According to Upasaka Li Bing Nan,
….Furthermore, nowadays, once a person’s breathing stops, family members weep and mourn, the body is immediately moved, dressed in new clothes, and even sent to the refrigerator. Such actions are actually cruel and very disturbing for the deceased.
When a person dies, the soul and consciousness still lingers within the body. If the body is moved before 10–12 hours have passed after breathing stops, the consciousness of the deceased can still feel and be disturbed by such acts, but must suffer while voiceless. If those who are on the verge of death or have just died give rise to evil thoughts, they will fall into the frightful paths of suffering, and be reborn in the hells, ghost and animal realms. Thus, we must wait 10–12 hours before moving the body in order to prevent their consciousness from falling into the evil realms. More importantly, the family and friends of those on the verge of death must sincerely recite the name of Amitabha to elevate the consciousness of the dying. No one may consume meat during this time, and no meat should be present during the memorial service in order to avoid tainting the merits of the deceased.
In general, the 10–12 hours after breathing stops are the most critical. During that time, the body cannot be moved, must not be changed into new clothes, and no one may cry or wail in sorrow. Family and Dharma friends must gather to render supportive chanting, to sincerely recite the name of Amitabha. Or, monks may be invited to hold Dharma repentance ceremonies for the benefit of the deceased, and guide them to seek Amitabha’s invitation into the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
For more detailed information on supportive chanting and how to manage the last moments of life, please read my free Dharma Book: The Last Rites of Amitabha:
