Tibetan Buddhism Helps Non-Buddhists Die With Joy

In my work as a death doula, I've found The Tibetan Book of the Dead and other Buddhist philosophies to be quite helpful for the experienced and beginners alike.

Long ago, I added The Tibetan Book of the Dead to my death doula library. The more I learn about Tibetan Buddhism, the more I see how it helps my clients, no matter their faith or culture, die with greater joy.

It especially helps people who feel anxiety or fear when contemplating their own end-of-life experiences.

Even Death is Impermanent

Living in a society that sees death as “losing a battle” means those at the end of life can feel isolated and alone. Loved ones are often scared to visit a dying person. It forces them to face the inevitability of this universal experience. And they’d rather not.

However, for Tibetan Buddhists, life isn’t over when death comes. It’s a new beginning.

Unless someone escapes the cycle of life, death, and rebirth through nirvana or enlightenment, Buddhists believe people are reborn again and again. The Tibetan Book of the Dead gives specific instructions on this front.

But you don’t have to believe in reincarnation to find value here. In fact, exploring new…