The objectives of this thesis are divided into three parts as follows: 1) to study the concept and method of the end of life care according to Theravada Buddhist Doctrine, 2) to study the concept and method of the end of life care according to Roman Catholic principles, and (3) to comparatively study of the concept and method of the end of life care according to Theravada Buddhism and Roman Catholic Church.
The result of study is found that the perspective of Theravada Buddhism thinks that the patients who are in the final state of life are covered by hard sickness which he is in the state of threat with death. The time of end of life is not over 1-2 hours before death-consciousness rise up. The physical state was shown by pain which getting of suffering, mental state was such desponding, depress, drowsy or sadden, feel lonesome and tired. The imagination will appear to the patients who are in the final state of life which is called Dhammāramaṇa: mind-objects, 1) Kammāramaṇa: imagination of Kamma what he done in the past, most were weighty action, 2) Kammanimittāramaṇa: imagination of things what he done good or bad Kamma, and 3) Gatinimittāramaṇa: imagination of the plan of existence after death. The persons who are in charge of caring the patients should be qualified with loving-kindness and compassion, they should try to brighten and pacifying the mind of their patients to gain, the mindfulness and clear comprehension and filled with joyfulness and happiness. Having these good factors, those patients will be reborn in a good place after death. The aim is to make patients filled mindfulness and clear comprehension, having qualities, healthy, and efficiency before death, having cleaned mind before death, to go the state of existence in heaven and Nibbāna.
The perspective of Roman Catholic, the patients who are in the final state of life, the God did not create death and was not pleasure with losing life of living beings especially human beings. By the way, the result of sin is made human beings face to pain, suffering, and death. However, these are the God’s plan when he created the world. Human beings facing to death are participation with ill treatment and expiation of Jesus Christ which lead to the everlasting life. The death is not final; it is the end of life in the world only. Christian believes that there is life after death. So, Roman Catholic taught human beings faced with death by themselves. Christians are not afraid of death because of death is the goal of all beings. Besides, Christian should be involved in the death of others by taking care of patients who are in the final state of life through the death peacefully to everlasting life, by principles of Roman Catholic is basic of taking care of patients who are in the final state of life leading to peace. Christianity help others facing of the death by protection and great loving to religion. It believes that the God will reward to one who do good to others. Then, the preparation of death is to take the doctrines and rite of Roman Catholic to help dying person to meet the God for everlasting life.
Comparison of concepts of Theravada Buddhism and Roman Catholic are featured on life, suffering, and death that are the nature of life. Life and suffering are in both the present and the future which connect with the highest belief. Suffering is significant cause and it can be resolve by good conduct of human beings, by faith, understanding the nature of life, and following the doctrines and moral principles. Those doctrines, although, do not specify to the disease and treatment directly. This point can be supported by religious principles and solve the patients be free from suffering including to both one who is in charge of caring the patients and patients.
Even though there are different points of doctrines and rites, however, the end of life care in both religions has applied the doctrines to caregivers who are in charge and patients, which are the specific characteristics and proper way.
|
