Lessons from Master Hongyi’s Experiences with Impermanence for Death Education
Religions April 25, 2024 Fazhao Shi 2 citations
The life of Chinese Buddhist monk Master Hongyi (1880–1942) demonstrates how transformative encounters with impermanence can guide contemporary death education. Drawing on historical records, personal writings, and accounts from his contemporaries, the paper traces his journey from grief and existential crisis to enlightened equanimity toward mortality. It examines how Buddhist practices helped him find meaning and liberation amid aging, illness, and dying. The proposed "Hongyi Model" integrates spiritual, psychological, and artistic dimensions of his approach into modern death education, suggesting that Buddhist teachings can foster authentic, meaningful engagement with mortality for educators, counselors, and end-of-life care professionals.