Buddhists believe that death marks the end of this life and the passage into the next, which is just one spoke among infinite spokes in samsara, the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. The where, when, and how of rebirth is entirely determined by our accumulated karma, which means our actions in this and previous lives shape the outcome for the next life. Even at the point of death and thereafter, we can make choices that will have a positive or negative effect on our next life. The attitude of the mind at death is very important, Buddhists believe.
Ideas about the details of what happens at death vary from tradition to tradition. Tibetan Buddhists believe that there is an in-between stage known as the bardo which can take up to 49 days, while Theravada Buddhists consider that rebirth can be immediate. Those who attain enlightenment (nirvana/nibbana) do not get reborn upon their death.
Buddhist scriptures also identify various heaven- and hell-like realms, but Buddhists believe that none of these places are permanent and one does not remain in any place indefinitely. In Buddhism, life does not end, but merely goes on in other forms that are the result of accumulated karma. Death can be an opportunity for liberation from the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
Before and at the moment of death and for a period after death, monks, nuns, or spiritual friends will read prayers and chants to assist in making the transitional experience of death as peaceful and free of fear as possible. Depending on the form of Buddhism followed by the deceased, there can be a number of rituals that can take place before or after the funeral takes place.
