DEATH IN THERAVĀDA BUDDHISM

Abstract

Death is a certain thing of human beings. On the other hand, it can be said having birth will have death as its shadow. This is a common rule for all living beings. The study about the death is the most important in order to understand about one’s own life in the case of realization that, one day, he will compulsorily reach to the death. Moreover, the study of the death is to have a plus attitude about the death and to prepare oneself before engaging to the death. This is the most important for one who is still alive.

            The researcher explores the data related with the death in Buddhism by finding out the materials from Tipitaka which is the primary source and the recording of all the teachings of Buddha. Furthermore, the researcher has explored the commentaries (Aṭṭhakakhā) of Tipitaka and other books written by people who are accepted in the Buddhist society, then made a composition together in accordance with this article outline.

            The research found that the death in Buddhism means the abandonment of this body and the collapse of the five aggregates (Pañca-Khandā). Buddhism mentioned about the main kind of the death, there are of four kinds : 1.) One dies due to ending his own age, 2.) One dies due to ending his own Karma, 3.) One dies due to ending his own age and Karma, 4.) One dies due to accidents. The preparation before getting to the death is that to do good things in the present life because such good things will effect to the next life. When the death is approaching, one will be calm and will not be afraid of it.