A Buddhist Approach to Euthanasia

         One of the predominant religions in America that I have not yet discussed in my blog, is Buddhism. Buddhism has grown quite substantially in the United States in the last few decades. When considering euthanasia in elderly populations, it is becoming increasingly important to consider this religious group because in the years to come, much of the elderly population will consist of practicing Buddhists. Interestingly, there is no unanimous view of euthanasia in Buddhist tradition; however, there are many teachings that apply to this topic (Rinpoche).  Many Buddhists believe euthanasia to be wrong because it implies that the person choosing the procedure is in a bad state of mind, which, if given pain killers, or a  meditation practice, they might be able to overcome. Additionally, many Buddhists believe that performing this procedure would put the physician in a bad state of mind and that this should be avoided as well (BBC News, 2009).

         In Buddhist Pali Canon, the primary Buddhist text, there are three separate examples of monks committing suicide all of which appear to be due to physical ailments. In all of these stories it seems that Buddha disapproves of the act suicide, but his motive for disapproval are different in each situation. This leads one to consider whether it was the act itself, or the situation and state of mind of the monk that he was unsupportive of (ReligionFacts). This ambiguity in the Pali Canon is what potentially leads to the difference of opinion in the Buddhist community. It would appear from the data, however, that the majority of Buddhists do not support the practice of euthanasia, which leads me to believe that assisted suicide is a less likely solution for chronic pain from terminal illnesses in the elderly Buddhist population.

"Buddhism, Euthanasia and Suicide." BBC News. BBC, 23 Nov. 2009. Web. 06 Apr. 2012. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/buddhistethics/euthanasiasuicide.shtml>.

"Euthanasia and Buddhism." ReligionFacts. Web. 06 Apr. 2012. <http://www.religionfacts.com/euthanasia/buddhism.htm>.

Rinpoche, Lama Z. "Buddhism, Euthanasia and Compassion." Buddhas Village. Web. 06 Apr. 2012. <http://www.buddhasvillage.com/teachings/lz_euthanasia.htm>.