The Chinese term for “euthanasia” is anlesi ( 安樂死, lit. “death with peace and happiness”), which is an incorrect translation. It was translated from the English word by the Japanese, and the Chinese adopted it. However, this definition seriously misleads the public. In reality, not only is euthanasia not an exemplary death, but it is also wrong in its approach due to its limited considerations. It concerns itself only with how terminally ill patients can end the “unbearable pain in life” and “unbearable life in pain.” It completely disregards or neglects the notion of “how to develop a continual life in the future.” In fact, there are far better solutions found in the Dharma than in euthanasia. For example, Humanistic Buddhism advocates concepts such as “life never dies” and “life is eternal,” and puts into practice “assistive chanting upon death.” Firstly, this helps terminally ill patients overcome their physical and mental pain. Secondly, it guides terminally ill patients to aspire for rebirth in the buddha’s pure lands, heavenly realms, or even rebirth in this world. Thirdly, it assists terminally ill patients (even those in a vegetative state) to make peace and let go. Accordingly, death can be faced with dignity and appropriacy.
