In Buddhism, death is supremely important and also insignificant at the same time. First, why it is insignificant. It is insignificant not because it has no effect, it is insignificant in that death is merely just another thought moment of life, just as birth, just as any other event in our lives. While we may have reached the end of our lives in our mortal body, the karma we have accumulated and the knowledge and wisdom we have gained do not end. They proceed on to the a new vessel, be it in the form of a ghost, a human, an animal, a god, a bodhisattva, etc. And though our new existence will not be a direct continuation of this existence, they are undeniably linked. As such, what we deem as an end is merely a momentary development. Similar to a video game where when the player dies, the user can always hit restart. Though that life of the player is over, the knowledge that the user gained in playing is stored within him for the next game. Further, in the next game the user can play as a totally new character (i.e. elf, a warrior, a princess, etc.) but the user maintains his prior experiences within him, and will guide the player according to those experiences. In the same way, death is not the final stop of the journey.
So, why is death significant? As stated prior, death is merely another thought moment in an unending chain of thought moments. However, it is significant because of its profound effect on the start of the next life or birth. Although it is impossible to prove this with modern science at the present, Buddhists believe in some form or reincarnation in that once you die you are reborn in a new body. And how our future life unfolds is directly affected by what we have done in the past, or karma. So a person that has accumulated much good karma can expect to be rewarded in its next life. However, in addition to the accumulation of karma, the circumstances and mindset of a person nearing death has what can be described as a disproportionate effect on one's future life. A person who at death is surrounded by loved ones, praying and with mind at peace will inevitably be reborn in a more pleasant setting than a person who died with much anguish, anger, jealousy and regret. In this way, it can be stated that how you die determines how you start your next life. What happens afterwards will depend on your past karma, and your present deeds. We can see examples of this kind of karma play out in people that are born into terrible circumstances but are then able to rise above their meager surroundings to achieve great deeds.
So taken together how should one approach the impending death of themselves or loved ones? For some, it is impossible not to grieve for the death of a loved one. Even knowing that it is not the end for the loved one, it is still the end of their connection to the loved one in the present form. Thus it would be imprudent to suggest that one should not feel sadness or grieve. At the passing of the Buddha, although learned in the Buddhist teachings from the foremost instructor, the disciples all grieved. However, in feeling the sadness we must remember to provide only pleasant thoughts, wishes and prayers for the dying. It serves no good to make the dying feel sad, worried, scared or have them suffer prolonged physical pain to keep the body alive. After passing, it is important that loved ones continue to pray for 7 to 49 days afterwards. The good karma from the prayers will help speed the deceased on his journey, and reincarnation in a better state.
For those that are enlightened with the Buddha Eye, they can see into the future and can thus see their future lives as if living the present or remembering the past. With this power, one will not fear death, as all concerns about what lies beyond have been extinguished. While we have not mastered the Buddha Eye, we can still put our faith in the Buddha as he shared with us what was seen, and indeed there is nothing for those that practice the Buddha way.
So, why is death significant? As stated prior, death is merely another thought moment in an unending chain of thought moments. However, it is significant because of its profound effect on the start of the next life or birth. Although it is impossible to prove this with modern science at the present, Buddhists believe in some form or reincarnation in that once you die you are reborn in a new body. And how our future life unfolds is directly affected by what we have done in the past, or karma. So a person that has accumulated much good karma can expect to be rewarded in its next life. However, in addition to the accumulation of karma, the circumstances and mindset of a person nearing death has what can be described as a disproportionate effect on one's future life. A person who at death is surrounded by loved ones, praying and with mind at peace will inevitably be reborn in a more pleasant setting than a person who died with much anguish, anger, jealousy and regret. In this way, it can be stated that how you die determines how you start your next life. What happens afterwards will depend on your past karma, and your present deeds. We can see examples of this kind of karma play out in people that are born into terrible circumstances but are then able to rise above their meager surroundings to achieve great deeds.
So taken together how should one approach the impending death of themselves or loved ones? For some, it is impossible not to grieve for the death of a loved one. Even knowing that it is not the end for the loved one, it is still the end of their connection to the loved one in the present form. Thus it would be imprudent to suggest that one should not feel sadness or grieve. At the passing of the Buddha, although learned in the Buddhist teachings from the foremost instructor, the disciples all grieved. However, in feeling the sadness we must remember to provide only pleasant thoughts, wishes and prayers for the dying. It serves no good to make the dying feel sad, worried, scared or have them suffer prolonged physical pain to keep the body alive. After passing, it is important that loved ones continue to pray for 7 to 49 days afterwards. The good karma from the prayers will help speed the deceased on his journey, and reincarnation in a better state.
For those that are enlightened with the Buddha Eye, they can see into the future and can thus see their future lives as if living the present or remembering the past. With this power, one will not fear death, as all concerns about what lies beyond have been extinguished. While we have not mastered the Buddha Eye, we can still put our faith in the Buddha as he shared with us what was seen, and indeed there is nothing for those that practice the Buddha way.