The main purpose of this study is to explore ways to care for dying patients. The emphasis is on Christian and Buddhist methods. The study explores ways in which these methods can be integrated into hospital treatment so as to improve the experience of the dying person and preserve his/her dignity in the face of death. The research paper begins by exploring Christian and Buddhist notions of life and death and proceeds by integrating the two into a combined theory that is then applied to my experience as a volunteer on a hospital ward. The purpose of the real-life application is to guide dying patients toward a mindset that will help them prepare for death and alleviate both fear and physical pain. Though this study deals with two distinct religions, it transcends a mere study of religion. Through it, I hope to show how a universal principle from both religions – namely love – can ultimately build inner peace and help patients cope with the final stage of their lives. The point is not to convert patients to either religion but to comfort them. The study aims to help the public understand how spirituality in patient care is not a matter of religious preaching or religious conversion. Rather it is a matter of elevating the patient through love to a higher spiritual state in preparation for death, regardless of spiritual inclination. The approach not only helps the patient, but can ultimately help the volunteer increase his or her own spiritual understanding and practice of compassion and work toward inner peace.
