300 Phillip A. Lecso, Division of Medicine, Office of Geriatrics, Medical College of Ohio in Toledo, Toledo, USA
關鍵詞
Dalai Lama; Kohl, Marvin; Christianity and Buddhism; terminal care; Medical ethics; 業=Karma=Kamma; Euthanasia; Cosmology, Buddhist
摘要
This paper introduces basic Buddhist cosmology and ethical teachings, emphasizing the concepts of rebirth and Karma. There follows a discussion of the Buddhist view of illness and its causes. Using these introductory concepts, the Buddhist view on euthanasia is explored and contrasted with the views of Marvin Kohl, a leading proponent of euthanasia. It is shown that Buddhism prohibits euthanasia as an option for the terminally ill but instead advocates hospice care. The paper is offered to expand the current dialogue on bioethical issues beyond the Judeo-Christian perspective.
