The main goal of this study is the construction of a Buddhist end of life care model, as well as the solutions of those ethical issues with their families, work teams and all sorts of end of life care according to the fundamental teachings of Buddhism. From the fundamental truth, method of Buddhism, we try to derive a variety of methods to tackle all sort of problems of end of life care. The thesis will be divided into two paths. First, from the Buddhist conceptions of the origin of life and the concept of equality we lay out the basic attitude of the patient and the caregivers, as well as the motivation of enhancing the quality of life of the patient. Second, I try to present the Buddhist perspective on ethical issues common to end of life care, such as the problem of doctor-patient relationship, the choice of treatment, futile medical care, as well as allocation of medical resources. Buddhist regards life in an endless cycle, sentient creatures are regarded as re-incarnated and re-born according to karma. To be released from this endless cycle of suffering, one has to practice and follow the Way of enlightenment, the Way of Bodhisattva and reborn in the Buddhist Pure Land of Buddha. According to the Buddhist conception of equality for all, to be born-ill-old-death is equal for all. and they are equal among themselves that means we need not fear one or the other, or that death over life for they are but part of a life cycle. The ideal Buddhist end of life care includes the following. First, patients’ suffering and causes of suffering are treated with equality and compassion and a perspective of life as a process so as to ameliorate patient’s suffering. Second, every stage of patient’s disease should be treated equally and calmly. Third, treatment needs be provided in accordance with patient’s individual and different needs at different stages of disease development. Fourthly, methods of release of pain and promotion of enlightenment have to fit the different degree of patient’s perception and levels of understanding. The Buddhist way of quality of life improvement is a cultivation of enlightenment and conversion from the fear of death and suffering with an expectation of a better life cycle coming. Lastly, this paper also treats in line with Buddhist philosophy a number of end of life issues such as terminal sedation, living will, futile treatment and others.
