Buddhist Approaches to Death, Dying and Grief

This course explores Buddhist approaches to death, dying, and grief across Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna traditions through textual sources, ritual practices, and material culture. In addition to examining doctrinal interpretations of life, death and rebirth, students will become familiar with the ritual practices, chanting traditions, and pastoral responses associated with the dying process, funeral rites, and post-death memorial practices across historical and contemporary contexts. Particular attention will be given to how these practices are conducted and adapted with contemporary Buddhist and Asian communities in Canada. Through ritual demonstrations, engagement with Buddhist monastics and case analyses, this course offers a comprehensive foundation and hands-on experience for students preparing to engage with Buddhist chaplaincy and end-of-life care in Canadian society, as well as for those seeking a deeper understanding of the relationship between life and death from a Buddhist perspective