TECHNIQUES FOR OVERCOMING THE FEAR OF DEATH ACCORDING TO BUDDHISM
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25078/vidyottama.v9i2.4854Abstract
The fear of death is a fundamental existential issue that has been widely discussed in psychology, philosophy, and religious studies. This dissertation explores the phenomenon of death anxiety from the perspective of Buddhism, which offers a unique approach to understanding and overcoming the fear of death. Using a qualitative methodology, data was collected through in-depth interviews with 108 students from Nalanda Institute who study textual analysis of Buddhist scriptures, including the Sutta Pitaka, Abhidhamma, and Visuddhimagga. The research findings indicate that the fear of death in Buddhism is primarily rooted in attachment (tanha) and ignorance (avijja), which lead to suffering (dukkha). However, through practices such as mindfulness (sati), insight meditation (vipassana), and the cultivation of wisdom (panna), individuals can gain a deeper understanding of impermanence (anicca), thereby reducing their anxiety about death. Additionally, Buddhist concepts such as death, karma, and their implications in overcoming the fear of death play a crucial role in shaping attitudes toward mortality. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of meditation practices, the application of the Noble Eightfold Path found in the Sutta Pitaka, as well as an understanding of the nature of the mind as explained in the Abhidhamma and the path of purification (Visuddhimagga). With consistent practice, one can attain a state of inner peace in facing death.
References
Buddhaghosa, B. (2015). The Path of Purification (Visuddhimagga). Buddhist Publication Society.
Clara O. S., & L. (2020). Ajaran Buddha dan kematian. DhammaCitta. https://pustaka.dhammacitta.org/ebook/umum/Ajaran Buddha dan Kematian.pdf
Hidayati, N., & Kurniawan, A. (2020). Hubungan antara religiusitas dengan kecemasan menghadapi kematian pada lanjut usia. Jurnal Psikologi, 47(2), 100–110.
Kalupahana, D. J. (2009). The Notion of Suffering in Early Buddhism Compared with Some Reflections of Early Wittgenstein. Philosophy East and West, 27(4), 423–431. https://doi.org/10.2307/1397985
Lowe, J., & Harris, L. M. (2019). A comparison of death anxiety, intolerance of uncertainty and self-esteem as predictors of social anxiety symptoms. Behaviour Change, 36(3), 165–179. https://doi.org/10.1017/bec.2019.11
Mahathera, N. (1983). Guide Through the Abhidhamma Pitaka. Buddhist Publication Society. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4087685
Mahathera, N. (2018). Dhammapada: Syair-syair Kebijaksanaan Sang Buddha. https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/kn/dhp/dhp.10.budd.html
Melissa A. Sims, R. E. M. & R. G. M. (2023). A systematic review of the relationship between death anxiety, capability for suicide, and suicidality. Routledge, 12. https://doi.org/: 10.1080/07481187.2023.2179686
Phan, H. P., Ngu, B. H., Chen, S. C., Wu, L., Lin, W. W., & Hsu, C. S. (2020). Introducing the Study of Life and Death Education to Support the Importance of Positive Psychology: An Integrated Model of Philosophical Beliefs, Religious Faith, and Spirituality. Frontiers in Psychology, 11(October), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.580186
Thera, N. M. (1989a). A Manual of Abhidhamma. Buddhist Publication Society. https://doi.org/10.2307/3876972
Thera, N. M. (1989b). Abhidhamma Pitaka. Buddhist Publication Society.
