What Happens After We Die? A Buddhist Perspective

During a discussion meeting overseas, a member asked Sensei: “Our lives are eternal, so what happens to us when we die?”

Sensei responded with great seriousness: “Answering the question of what happens after death is a vital issue for human beings and for religion.” He explained that while the topic could be explored endlessly, he would touch on just one key aspect that day.

The Eternity of Life

Sensei began by addressing a common belief held by many people today: that life is limited to the present existence. He explained how this view leads to troubling questions. For example, how do we make sense of the vast inequalities into which people are born? Some enter affluent families in peaceful countries, while others are born into poverty, war, or famine. Some are blessed with good health, while others face incurable illnesses or disabilities from birth.

Sensei posed a thought-provoking question: “Unless our lives are eternal, how do we come to terms with the inequality in which people are born?” He pointed out that these differences stem from the karma we have accumulated across lifetimes. Karma is the imprint of our past actions—what we have done, spoken, and thought.

If life were created by an all-powerful god, wouldn’t everyone be born equal? If life ended with death, how could those born into immense suffering find meaning or hope? Sensei warned that without the perspective of eternal life, people might succumb to bitterness, resentment, or even nihilism, indulging in pleasure-seeking or viewing life as a meaningless game.

“When we thoroughly pursue the origins of our karma, we are forced to acknowledge that life is eternal,” he said.

How Karma is Created

Karma, Sensei explained, is not imposed upon us by any external force. It is self-created through the accumulation of three types of actions:

1. Deeds: What we do, such as acts of kindness or harm.

2. Words: What we say, whether to encourage or deceive others.

3. Thoughts: What we think and feel, including intentions and emotions.

For example, actions like deceiving others, causing unhappiness, or taking lives create negative karma. The gravest karma, however, comes from slandering the Law—rejecting or opposing the fundamental principle of life itself.

What Happens After Death

To explain the process of death and rebirth, Sensei used a relatable analogy: “Death is like going to sleep at night, while embarking on the next life is like waking up refreshed to begin a new day.”

However, he emphasized that karma does not disappear when we die. Much like a debt remains even after a night’s rest, the effects of our actions persist into the next life. This means that unresolved pain, hatred, or grudges we harbor at death follow us into future existences. Sensei warned: “If we die writhing in unbearable pain and agony in this lifetime, we will be born having to bear the same agony in the next.”

Similarly, those who die filled with bitterness or hatred will find themselves compelled to repeat those emotions in their next life. Even in the state of death, when life is merged with the universe, we can feel suffering—like being plagued by nightmares when burdened with unresolved problems in life.

Transforming Karma

The good news, Sensei explained, is that karma can be transformed. Nichiren Daishonin revealed a powerful means for us, in the Latter Day of the Law, to break free from negative karma.“This means is none other than chanting Daimoku to the Gohonzon and sharing the True Law with others.”

By chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and taking action for kosen-rufu, we align ourselves with the fundamental law of life. This enables us to change even deeply rooted karma and attain a state of lasting happiness.

Facing Death with Dignity

Sensei acknowledged that some might question whether members of the Soka Gakkai truly transform their karma, given that they still die from illnesses or accidents. He explained: “Buddhism teaches that those who uphold faith until the end transform the effects of past causes, experiencing them in a lightened form.”

He pointed to the example of Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, the first Soka Gakkai president, who died in prison. Despite his harsh circumstances, Makiguchi wrote of his immense joy in having lived in accordance with Buddhist scriptures. He passed away with dignity and a sense of profound happiness.

Sensei also mentioned the Gosho’s description of outward signs of attaining Buddhahood at death, such as a soft and radiant countenance. He noted how President Toda passed away with a smile that reflected his inner state of enlightenment.

Life’s True Purpose

Sensei concluded by urging members to view life’s hardships as opportunities to transform their karma. He emphasized that from the perspective of the eternity of life, our suffering in this lifetime is fleeting. “We are striving to attain happiness that endures for eternity,” he said. Even amidst obstacles, maintaining faith ensures we can face death without fear and continue our journey with profound joy.

Key Takeaways:

1. Life is Eternal: Understanding the continuity of life helps us find meaning in suffering and focus on creating positive causes.

2. Karma is Self-Created: Through our deeds, words, and thoughts, we shape our destiny. The power to change karma lies within us.

3. Chanting Daimoku Transforms Karma: By aligning with the law of life, we can transform even deeply ingrained suffering and achieve happiness.

4. Death Reflects Our Life: How we live directly impacts the state of our life at death, shaping our next existence.

5. Faith is the Key to Happiness: Faith enables us to navigate life’s challenges, face death with dignity, and attain a state of joy that lasts across lifetimes.

[Closing Reflection]
“The question of what happens after death touches on the very core of our existence. Buddhism teaches us that life is eternal and interconnected, and that through faith, we hold the power to transform suffering into happiness. So, let’s face today’s challenges with courage, knowing that each moment contributes to a future of boundless joy.”

Disclaimer: "This podcast is based on teachings and guidance shared by Sensei, as interpreted and paraphrased for educational and inspirational purposes. While key quotes and ideas are retained to ensure accuracy, the majority of the content has been rewritten to provide fresh insights and storytelling. This content is not intended to replace official texts or guidance but to encourage personal reflection and practice. Listeners are encouraged to refer to original Soka Gakkai literature and resources for further study and understanding."

This story is inspired from NHR Volume 3 Chapter – Westward Transmission.