Buddhist Perspectives on Death and Dying

Mar 28 2008 - 11:00am Hurst Lounge, Duncker Hall

Religious Studies Program 314-935-8677 or smassey@wustl.edu

This talk concentrates on the Buddhist doctrinal teachings, meditative techniques, and ritual practices related to death and dying. Dr. Komarovski will discuss how various forms of Buddhism approach the issues of rebirth and transformation of consciousness in the process of dying, the state between death and rebirth and related visions, meditations on death, and specific practices utilizing the death process during one’s life. In particular, the teachings of Tantric Buddhism will be discussed, including the book popularly known as the “Tibetan Book of the Dead.” Also addressed will be ethical and bioethical dimensions of death and dying. Even though the talk focuses on death and dying, expect it to be lively and engaging.
Yaroslav Komarovski is a Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison where he teaches Tibetan Buddhism, Buddhist philosophy, and Buddhist ritual systems. Dr. Komarovski studied in Tibetan monastic universities in Asia for nine years, and served as an interpreter for Buddhist scholars and teachers from different Tibetan traditions. He earned his Ph.D. in History of Religions from the University of Virginia in 2007. His current research focuses on intellectual developments in 15th century Tibet and their impact on subsequent intellectual history.