Suffering and Death Buddhists emphasize that at the time of death one must be in a calm, meditative “mental state”. This offers them the opportunity to die a “good death; one that is filled with peace rather than struggle and anguish. The Buddhist understanding of pain and suffering identifies them as part of our existence. This comes from the suffering that “we ourselves have created”. Buddhist tradition recognizes eight forms of suffering. Birth, old age, illness and death are fundamental facts of life. Birth is “the experience of being thrust into new situations and forced to cope with them.” Old age and illness are measures to cope with a fragile and broken existence. Suffering exists during this interim state of being. Many traditional Buddhist adherents refuse certain types of medication and sedation; because they appreciate being vigilant. Buddhists transform their state of mind, “achieving inner peace”; thereby impacting their perceived resistance to pain and endurance. Suffering is inherent to life; therefore, if one can experience pain and suffering with peace and clams, one can "achieve a higher state of existence or a higher realm of rebirth." This is why the act of “truth speaking” is so relevant to Buddhism. Telling the truth simply involves “explaining to the patient their state of health”. The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being.” Some researchers have expanded this definition to include spiritual well-being. When the patient's well-being is fully disclosed, appropriate measures provide the patient and family with the opportunity to prepare mentally and spiritually for death. If the patient is receptive, the chaplain should engage in...... middle of paper ......t. Regardless of tradition or religious thought, death is a very delicate subject but this is the time to reconnect. At the end of life, so much is developing, so much is happening that the chaplain must be adapted to the circumstances as they exist. It's about building a relationship and creating an atmosphere of comfort and peace. The chaplain must listen to how he can help. It is often the chaplain who helps bridge the gap between the medical team and the family. As the Buddhist makes his transition from one life to the next, ensuring that this transition reflects a good death is the most important task facing the chaplain. It is the compassionate heart and presence that is the greatest contribution a chaplain can make to end-of-life care. Ensure the patient died in a way that supported and respected their religious beliefs.