How does the perspective of Tibetan Buddhist monks on impermanence shape a positive attitude towards Death

Contemplating impermanence, a core Buddhist concept, helps Tibetan Buddhist monastics develop a positive attitude toward death. Nine Geshe-degree monks were interviewed, and four themes emerged: acceptance of death, purposeful living through impermanence, spiritual readiness for death, and emotional resilience through impermanence. Regular reflection on impermanence was reported to eliminate fear and foster acceptance of mortality, serving as both a spiritual principle and a psychological tool for coping with loss, reducing attachment, and building emotional resilience.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Introduction: Perspectives towards death have been largely negative across cultures, where fear, anxiety and avoidance have been prevalent practices in the face of death. Yet certain religions provide frameworks that signify the need to foster acceptance of mortality. Based on Tibetan Buddhism, the concept of impermanence (anicca) primarily occupies a central role in understanding the nature of existence and death. The present study is an exploration of how contemplation and practice of impermanence influence the development of a positive attitude toward death among Tibetan Buddhist monastics. Method: A qualitative research design was employed using purposive sampling. Nine Tibetan Buddhist monks holding the Geshe degree, equivalent to a doctorate in Buddhist philosophy, participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Result: Four overarching themes emerged from the findings: Acceptance of Death, Purposeful Living Through Impermanence, Spiritual Readiness for Death, and Emotional Resilience Through Impermanence. Findings suggest that the participants learned to perceive death as a natural and inevitable aspect of existence. With that understanding, regular reflection on the nature of impermanence was reported to eliminate fear and adopt acceptance of mortality. Conclusion: It could be concluded that impermanence serves both as a spiritual principle and a psychological tool in assisting the participants to cope better with loss, reduce attachment, and develop emotional resilience. The study contributes to death studies by highlighting the potential value of contemplative practices centred on impermanence in promoting psychological well-being.