Buddhism

1. Buddhism Cavan Quam, Manjot Bagri "Good health is simply the slowest way a human being can die"

2. Why Buddhism? • Learned about Buddhism when I was struggling with big questions in life • Buddhism is fundamentally different than most other religions • Very little if any dogma: principles laid out by an authority that are incontrovertibly true • Focus on practicality • Starts with human condition • Poison arrow parable

3. This has nothing to do with Buddhism... Laugh at me all you want :)

4. Fundamental Beliefs ‘The Path of Life’, based on Karmic Theory: To refrain from: • Killing (especially human life) • Taking that which is not given • Misuse of the senses and sexual misconduct • Lying or using false or harmful speech • Taking intoxicating drinks/ drugs which cloud the mind

5. Fundamental Beliefs The 4 Noble Truths: • Existence is suffering, • The cause of suffering is craving and attachment • Suffering ceases at some point and turns to Nirvana (liberation or total bliss) • There is a path to Nirvana which is made up of eight steps, sometimes called the Eightfold Path

6. Fundamental Beliefs Eightfold Path: The path to nirvana (reader’s digest version) • We need more wisdom and compassion probably (right view) • Our thoughts dictate who we are (right thought) • We should think before we speak (right speech) • Let’s behave ourselves (right conduct) • Don’t exploit people, it’s mean (right livelihood) • Do your best, and I mean all the time (right effort) • Just stop and think for a second (right mindfulness) • Try to realize what is going on every once in awhile (right awareness)

7. Fundamental Beliefs Rebirth: Human birth is viewed as the beginning of a highly precious opportunity; it is unique in that it is a rare opportunity for the complete development of the mind • Rebirth viewed as a cause for suffering, sickness, old age and death. • When the Buddha entered nirvana after death, his existence was established in nirvana, beyond birth and death. • Nirvana is the ultimate transformation, beyond space and time. It is existence without birth.

8. Views of Wellness • ATTITUDES TO ILLNESS • In Buddhism old age, illness and death are acknowledged to be inherent in life itself, so Buddhists will generally appreciate frankness about diagnosis, the effects of treatment and prognosis. • ATTITUDES TO PAIN RELIEF • Awareness is important in Buddhist practice • Thus, it is important to discuss the range of alternative pain relief options being offered, (especially if the drugs are likely to cause excessive drowsiness or confusion)

9. Health-Seeking Behaviors • Generally have no problem taking any medicine that helps. • Some may wish to know the effects of drugs that alters their emotional state or clarity of mind • Due to the 5th precept: (to refrain from taking intoxicating drink or drugs which cloud the mind) • However, 5th precept exists so people do not perform harmful acts whilst intoxicated • Prescribed meds that may be intoxicating, but which is healing or reduces suffering, is usually accepted.

10. Traditional Healers • There are different beliefs within the different sects of Buddhism • Some will have a healer meditate for them, or give them blessed water or pills • Others view disease and old age as a normal process and respect the science behind Western medicine • Nurses and doctors are traditionally held in high esteem

11. Substance Abuse • Substance abuse in Buddhist communities is not common • Inherent in the tenets of Buddhism are many ideas that counteract addiction • The middle way - behind complete self-denial and indulgence • Core tenet of the Four Noble Truths is that suffering is caused by our cravings and attachments • Mindfulness meditation helps to reduce attachment and gain understanding of your own inner workings. • Studies have shown that using meditation may help in addiction treatments (Tang, 2013)

12. Diet and Dietary Preferences • Best to make no assumption about diet. • Many are vegetarian /vegan due to 1st precept which encourages them to avoid killing and harming living beings • However, not uncommon to find non-vegetarian Buddhists, as the Buddha asked his monks to eat whatever they got • Fasting: If their health allows, a 1 day fast is recommended on New Moon and Full Moon days. There are also other festival days such as Buddha’s birthday, death day, his enlightenment, the first Sermon and others.

13. Family and Gender Roles/ Domestic Violence While men and women are viewed as equals in Buddhist philosophy, mothers are regarded as even more important than fathers due to: • Their more primary role in bringing children into the world and traditionally taking care of them. • Thus, when a mother is sick, special kindness is shown towards her

14. View of Western Medicine ATTITUDES TO MEDICAL STAFF • Buddhists are most likely to accept medical advice when it is clearly explained and the options fully explored • Doctors and nurses are generally held in high esteem in Buddhist cultures because helping others and relieving suffering are important in Buddhist training

15. Religious Practices/ Beliefs Birth/ Abortion • Conception occurs when consciousness enters a fertilized egg. • This is considered the beginning of life • It is regarded as killing if the life of the future person is aborted after that point. (Seen as “killing a human to be” or harming a living, sentient being. • Generally all Buddhist traditions condemn abortion and euthanasia Contraception • Birth control that prevents conception is acceptable • Pills and condoms are much less serious, though condoms would be preferred for the same reason.

16. Religious Practices/Beliefs • ORGAN TRANSPLANT: • Many have no religious–organ donation during life viewed as an act of supreme generosity. • However some may decline transplants /donation occurring after death: • Believe: the mind may dwell within the body for some time after cardio respiratory death • The body should not be moved for 3 days, and should not be disrupted by tampering with internal organs • May be interfere with the optimal dissolution of consciousness • BLOOD DONATION AND TRANSFUSION • There are no Buddhist objections to blood donation or transfusion provided that these are freely given.

17. Religious Practices/Beliefs SPIRITUAL SUPPORT: BUDDHA IMAGES • Buddhists in hospital or other care settings may wish to have an image (rupa) of the Buddha/ Buddha figure, either in the form of a small statue or photograph, at their bedside. • A Buddha rupa represents wisdom, compassion and ability to help others • Such an image should be treated with respect, with care being taken when moving or cleaning around them • They may wish for a candle or incense stick as well 

18. Nursing Interventions • One key tenet of Buddhism that is developed through meditation is awareness • Buddhists may want to avoid certain medications that decrease their awareness • Other pain management techniques may be preferred • Offering of a private area to perform meditation may help normalize their routine • Know that different sects have different beliefs

19. Death /Funeral Arrangements • Death = disintegration of physical body until the consciousness leaves • The more composed & calm the mind is at death, the better the opportunity for a better rebirth • May request incense, candle, a buddha figure, buddhist clergy, or chanting to reach serenity when dying • No special procedures to be undertaken by hospital staff • May be requests for the deceased body to remain undisturbed for a period, before being moved • Body is taken to the home and is untouched for 3 days • Extensive prayers are said; (this facilitates the process of the person’s consciousness letting go of its attachments to this life) • Most are cremated and the body disposed of within 3-7 days • Buddhists also meditate on theTruth of Impermanence, a key Buddhist teaching, as a precious loved one leaves this life

20. Professional Resource Buddhist Church of Lodi • Address: 23 N Stockton St, Lodi, CA 95240 • Phone: (209) 368-5589 Buddhist Digital Resource Center (BDRC) is dedicated to preserving and sharing Buddhist texts through the union of technology and scholarship. • BDRC ensures that the ancient wisdom and cultural treasures of the Buddhist literary tradition are not lost, but are made available for future generations. • https://www.tbrc.org/?locale=en#!footer/about/newhome

21. Guided Meditation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFZ6C2XhJAc

23. References Harvey, C. (2006). A Buddhist Perspective on Health and Spirituality. Scottish Journal of Healthcare Chaplaincy, 9(1) 33-35. Tung, W.C. (2010). Buddhist-Based Care: Implications for Health Care Professionals. Home Health Care Management & Practice, 22(6), 450-452. The Buddhist Society. Buddhist Health. (2017). Retrieved from http://www.thebuddhistsociety.org/page/buddhist-health Bhikshu, K. (2017). A Buddhist Approach to Patient Health Care. Retrieved from http://www.urbandharma.org/udharma8/health.html Pew Research Center. (2012) The Global Religious Landscape: B Buddhism. Retrieved from http://www.pewforum.org/2012/12/18/global-religious-landscape-buddhist/ Tang, R., Tang, M., Posner, I., (2013). Brief meditation training induces smoking reduction. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences; DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1311887110