• Faith Centres on the Buddha, revered not as god but as an example of a way of life which includes the keeping of special festivals, pilgrimage to sacred places and social responsibility
  • Followers of Buddha seek to emulate his example of perfect morality, wisdom and compassion culminating in a transformation of consciousness known as enlightenment
  • Believe in reincarnation so accept responsibility for actions
  • Chief doctrine is that of ‘Karma’, good or evil deeds result in appropriate reward or punishment in this life or subsequent to reincarnation
  • Culturally adaptable—therefore different regional traditions have developed
  • Peace and quiet for meditation or chanting appreciated, perhaps access to single room, day room or chapel (especially for visiting Buddhist monk or sister to pray)
  • Need to wash hands prior to meditation 
  • May wish to sleep on the floor
  • Image of Buddha, flowers and incense stick bring comfort and must be handled with great respect
  • Scriptures must be treated with great respect. Other objects should not be placed on top of them.
  • WESACK, celebration of the enlightenment of Buddha, held on full moon in May
  • Unlikely to be objection to blood transfusion (far eastern Buddhists may object)
  • Normally no contact across the genders (medical examination may be the exception)
  • Dietary rules, disciplines and customs vary. Individual and /or family will usually explain what is required
  • Because of respect for all life, many are vegetarian
  • A side room is appreciated.
  • State of mind at death believed to influence the character of rebirth. Like to have full information about imminent death to allow preparation. An open, honest, frank manner appreciated
  • Need to approach death in clear conscious state of mind important and may request reduction of some types of medication. Will wish to be consulted at all stages of treatment
  • Important need to inform a fellow Buddhist
  • Turning the mind of the patient to happy and lighthearted thoughts will put them in frame of mind to make the journey into death
  • Body should be left undisturbed for eight hours after death and then handled with respect
  • No special rituals after death, routine last offices are appropriate
  • Body should be wrapped in a sheet without emblems
  • Important for family and friends to have access to the body after death for a few days, to sit, meditate and perform rituals
  • No objection to post mortem on religious grounds although prefer several days to elapse to allow consciousness to separate from the body
  • No objections to organ transplants – regarded as praiseworthy.
  • Cremation is preferred